New Ill. Gov. Works to Show Hes Anti-blagojevich
Amid the work of running the state, part of Quinns new job is painting himself as the anti-Blagojevich, which he has started doing with actions both big and small.
“I dont think thatll take too much trying on my part. I dont think in any way I have a style thats similar to my predecessor,” Quinn said Friday, a day after Blagojevich became the first Illinois governor to be booted from office.
Quinn, a Democrat like his predecessor, already has made a point of being accessible to the states four other top elected officials, who had strained relationships with Blagojevich. He met Friday in Chicago with Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.
Madigan said Blagojevich had last met with the constitutional officers on July 1, 2003. Giannoulias said he was seeing the governors office for the first time since his November 2006 election.
“I really think this is healthy for our state that we get together on a regular basis,” Quinn said afterward. “We need to get the message out that … were working together for the betterment of everyone.”
While Quinn works to put even more distance between himself and his former running mate – the two had been on the outs for years – Republicans were quick to link them from Day 1.
The Illinois Republican Party said Quinns first act as governor should have been an apology to Illinoisans. It accused Quinn of standing by while Blagojevich committed the actions that led to his impeachment and removal from office.
“Blagojevichs Lieutenant Governor and Blagojevich Democrats came to power on a promise of change but four years later they looked the other way and chose to endorse Blagojevich for re-election even though our state was faced with the largest corruption investigation in its history,” state GOP chairman Andy McKenna said in a statement.
Blagojevichs impeachment was triggered by his Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges, including allegations he schemed to benefit from his power to appoint President Barack Obamas U.S. Senate replacement. He was convicted by the Illinois Senate for also abusing the power of his office by expanding state programs, wasting money and skirting hiring rules.
After his ouster, the state moved quickly to erase Blagojevich. His picture at the Capitol was taken down and his name erased from state Web sites.
Some of Quinns gestures to show theres a new guy in charge have been more subtle.
In his first news conference as governor, Quinn said he wanted to reopen the seven state parks and 11 historic sites Blagojevich closed last year because of budget cuts. But he didnt say how he would pay for that amid a budget deficit he has said could top $4 billion.
“I think its squeezing a nickel to close parks and historic sites,” Quinn said. “You squeeze a nickel and lose a half dollar. Thats not smart government.”
Quinn is welcome change to Ted Flickinger, president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. Quinn spoke to the group Friday before meeting with state officers.
“Its the first time in a long time weve had a governor who puts a lot of emphasis on parks, recreation and conservation,” Flickinger said.
Stylistically, Quinn and his predecessor couldnt be more different. While Blagojevich – until his impeachment trial began – made a habit of eluding the media, Quinn pledges to hold regular news conferences. Blagojevich was slick, while Quinn comes across as earnest.
Source: nypla
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