Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's new running mate says he has a strong record on education, taxes and collective bargaining agreements.
Paul Vallas appeared with Quinn for the first time Tuesday during a news conference in downtown Chicago.
Quinn announced Vallas as his pick in an email Friday. During the appearance, the two said addressing the state's pension problems will be a top priority for their ticket.
Vallas, who ran Chicago Public Schools from 1995 until 2001, is leaving his job as school superintendent in Bridgeport, Connecticut in order to campaign in Illinois.
He lost the Democratic nomination for governor in 2002 to Rod Blagojevich.
Quinn's current lieutenant governor, Sheila Simon, is running for comptroller next year.
