Sanguinetti emphasizes Latina roots at inauguration
SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti emphasized her Latina roots after being sworn into office Monday, taking her place as Gov. Bruce Rauner's No. 2.
"As the daughter of immigrant parents, and the first Latina lieutenant governor, I am the living embodiment that anything, absolutely anything, is possible," Sanguinetti said.
The former Wheaton City Council member gave part of her inaugural speech in Spanish. Her mother came to the U.S. from Cuba and her father from Ecuador.
Both Sanguinetti and Rauner touched on their commitment to good education for Illinois residents and the positive impact it could have on Illinois' success.
"I made it to the stage because I got an education, and I was afforded an opportunity," Sanguinetti said. "And that's exactly what Bruce and I want for everybody in Illinois."
Sanguinetti's new office comes with few official duties, so what she does with the position rests largely with her. She's made clear she wants to support Rauner's plans, but his team has declined multiple requests for her to be interviewed since the November election.
She stepped aside from her Wheaton post and helped lead the Rauner transition team.
Both Sanguinetti and Rauner greeted well-wishers at Illinois' Old State Capitol Monday. Sanguinetti said there she is not answering any questions at this time, but will "very soon."