Illinois' idiosyncratic attempts to crowd source (but not vote source!) the Lt. Gov. nomination continues today, as more than 100 nominee hopefuls begin interviewing with Democratic party leaders.
The aspiring lieutenant governor hopefuls will appear before six panels around the state, seeking to impress the Democratic Party Central Committee of their civic bona fides.
The aspirants are part of a "short list" culled from the 260 candidates who applied online. Quinn is expected to announce his favorite later this month, but the committee will ultimately provide final approval.
Quinn hasn't made a secret of his favorites.
He dropped veteran Tammy Duckworth's name publicly a few weeks back, though she ultimately declined. Just this past week, reports emerged that Quinn was considering State Sen. Susan Garrett.
Quinn has also spoken highly of Sheila Simon, the late Sen. Paul Simon's daughter, who submitted her candidacy recently as well.
Scuttlebutt is Quinn's looking for a strong female running mate to buttress his flagging support among women at the polls.
Politics
Art Turner, who received the second most votes after original nominee Scott Lee Cohen, has been agitating for a place on the ticket as well.
Cohen stepped aside after House Speaker Michael Madigan convinced him his candidacy would be detrimental to the party. Cohen had been dogged by allegations that he abused his ex-wife and held a knife to the throat of his prostitute girlfriend.
