By Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, IL – It's no surprise given the commercials already airing around the state. But today Governor Pat Quinn officially announced his candidacy.
Quinn says Illinois has weathered the economic, budget and confidence crisis it was facing when he took over from Rod Blagojevich.
"And over the last nine months, we've begun to mend the flaws of our government and restore public confidence in the integrity and honor of the governor's office," Quinn told supporters in Springfield.
Quinn says he's running because there's more to do. His plan focuses on clean energy, construction projects, education financing and expanded internet access and overseas exports. However, the governor wouldn't say if any of these are new programs, nor how he'd pay for them.
Neither the state deficit, nor Quinn's as-yet failed plan to increase the income tax to help plug it, were part of his campaign speech. The governor says that's because he has talked about a take hike a lot already, and next year's the best time to deal with it.
One of his Democratic opponents, Comptroller Dan Hynes, says Quinn is ignoring reality. Oak Park lawyer Ed Scanlan says he'll also seek the Democratic nomination.
Quinn also took his campaign to Chicago, Cahokia, Herrin, West Frankfort, Mt. Vernon, Salem, Mattoon and Tuscola.