Quinn's ethics proposal raises questions

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn's ethics proposal outlined in his State of the State speech is raising eyebrows.

His idea is to ban Illinois lawmakers from voting on anything that might help them personally. But there are questions about whom the proposal targets and if it's necessary when Illinois has to deal with major financial problems. Or if Quinn is laying groundwork for re-election.

Quinn dismissed those questions Thursday saying it's long been his priority.

However, some lawmakers say they were confused by the timing. Especially because Quinn didn't focus more heavily on his goal of overhauling pensions and Illinois traditionally enacts reforms after scandal.

Experts say Quinn might be trying to paint himself as a reformer before 2014.

But the legislature's inspector general applauds the effort.