Quinn names Chicago alderman as adviser

Gov. Pat Quinn has named Chicago Alderman Billy Ocasio as his new senior adviser.

Quinn is counting on Ocasio to be his right-hand man and to be a part of all of the administration's decision making.

The 48-year-old Ocasio is giving up his longtime seat on the Chicago City Council to work for Quinn. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley will appoint a replacement.

Ocasio told reporters Tuesday he was humbled and honored to join Quinn's administration because he said the governor was taking Illinois in a new direction.

Ocasio has been a Chicago alderman since 1993. Daley appointed him to the City Council to replace Luis Gutierrez when he got elected to Congress.

Ocasio will join the governor's staff next month.