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Endorsement: Quinn for Democratic nomination for governor

In five years at the helm of Illinois government, Gov. Pat Quinn has made his share of enemies within his party. But he's notched some significant political successes along the way, too, starting with the pension reform bill that passed last December. There's plenty of room to argue over the merits and influence of Quinn's actions but there's no question about his commitment to pressing the issue to a productive conclusion. For that matter, pension reform is far from complete, and with additional complex economic debates ahead on minimum wage, income taxes and workers' compensation reform, Democrats need a leader steeped in the intricacies. On that party's ticket, the candidate is clearly Pat Quinn. Challenger Tio Hardiman's heart is admirable, but his complaints about Quinn's actions ring hollow, and his own grasp of the issues - including advocating simultaneously increased social spending and tax cuts and a vague view of term limits that don't limit voter choice - seems naively ineffectual. As incumbent, Quinn has a record of leadership that deserves to be defended and that will offer voters in the November general election insights into what promise a new Quinn term - backed by his new running mate Paul Vallas - has to offer a state desperately in need of experience and direction. Quinn is endorsed for the Democratic nomination to seek a second full term.

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