Pat Quinn talks about his political career, during an interview at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Pat Quinn chats with him mom Eileen recently in Chicago.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Pat Quinn and his mom Eileen.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Pat Quinn and his mother, Eileen.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Pat Quinn's mom, Eileen, says she always knew her eldest son would go into public service.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Pat Quinn and his mother, Eileen.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has tea in the living room of the Executive Mansion in Springfield, Ill., Thursday, March, 26, 2009. His almost 30-year-old briefcase "Betsy" sits on the floor. After six years as lieutenant governor, Quinn is leaning on his well-honed image of honest public servant as he leads Illinois government in the wake of the corruption scandal that engulfed his predecessor and fellow Democrat Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Gov. Pat Quinn talks to the media outside the governor's office in Springfield on Jan. 30, 2009.

AP Photo/Seth Perlman

An excited Quinn reacts as early election returns show him doing well in his bid to oust state Treasurer James H. Donnewald in March 1986.

Quinn during his activist years.

Quinn February 1996.

DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO Pat Quinn.

Quinn in April 1985.

Pat Quinn in July 1989

Quinn is sworn in as the governor of Illinois in 2009.