Quinn, lawmakers back amendment to recall officials

SPRINGFIELD -- Anger over gridlock at the state capitol could lead to a change in the Illinois Constitution.

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and some lawmakers are backing an amendment that would let the public demand a recall of state officials. People would have to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures before a recall election could be held.

If lawmakers put the amendment on the state ballot, voters could decide next year whether to change the constitution.

Quinn refuses to say whether he would like to see Governor Rod Blagojevich thrown out of office. But he says the situation in Springfield is "disappointing."

Democratic Representative Jack Franks is one of the sponsors. He calls Blagojevich "the poster child" for recall.