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Pat Quinn May Be Eyeing Another Run For Governor

People
Former Gov. Pat Quinn (D-Illinois)

If former Gov. Pat Quinn is looking for a rematch with Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018, history isn't on his side.

Politico reports Quinn is trying to gain behind-the-scenes support to run for governor again, arguing the current budget impasse shows he was right to advocate for a permanent 5 percent income tax rate during the 2014 election.
The odds would be against him. University of Illinois Springfield political science professor Kent Redfield points out Quinn was never considered a popular governor.

"There isn't that kind of reservoir of good feeling or respect that you can use as a basis for coming back."

Quinn has made only a few public appearances since leaving office. He initially indicated he wanted to return to consumer advocacy, echoing his old role in founding the Citizens Utility Board. But, political overtones have stuck out in his remarks during those few appearances, and he hasn't shied away from bashing Rauner's policies.

Redfield believes Democrats running for legislative seats will want a stronger candidate than Quinn on top of the ticket, and he expects current statewide office holders will be considered.

 

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