Is ex-radical Quinn maturing or just compromising?
SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Pat Quinn sat shoulder-to-shoulder with House Speaker Michael Madigan as the two Democrats pushed a watered-down campaign finance package they said would keep big money out of Illinois politics.
Behind them sat scowling reformers, people long-considered Quinn's allies as the ex-gadfly railed against the system during his three decades of pushing radical overhauls intended to empower the electorate. But having now been elevated to the state's top executive post, Quinn was siding with the politicians, endorsing their vision for reform over the holistic plan put forth by a blue-ribbon commission Quinn himself assembled.
It could prove to be a key moment in the infancy of Quinn's administration, which is now in charge after the arrest, impeachment and ouster of his running mate, Rod Blagojevich.
Insiders saw Quinn's deal-making with Madigan on campaign finance as political maturation. They'd wondered if not feared what Quinn, the consummate outsider, would do if handed the reins of government. It's one thing to criticize the system. It's another to run it.
"Pat Quinn has always, even when a statewide official, he's never considered himself a politician. And now he has to be a politician. He has to work with people who are bright, experienced and have their own agenda. He can't be out there riding on his own," said Paul Green, head of Roosevelt University's School of Policies Studies.
Outsiders, especially the good government groups, however, came away with a far different impression of the new governor. They saw it as a sellout, and a cheap one at that.
Suddenly, here was Quinn working with Madigan, the very Democratic leader who more than 30 years ago said Quinn - a growing thorn in his political side - wasn't worthy of being called an Irishman. Now they traded pleasantries as they asked lawmakers to support a plan that included limits on campaign spending.
"He settled for very little," said Cindi Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.
And it wasn't just ethical reform. Quinn the gambling critic appears ready to support legalizing video gambling in local bars. And just weeks after saying he opposed higher sales taxes, Quinn was pushing a Senate budget plan that raised sales taxes.
After six years of a governor who refused to budge as the state stood at a standstill, Quinn's newfound flexibility was considered a plus in some Capitol circles.
Quinn has been roundly embraced as a much-needed breath of fresh air in state government compared to the combative and allegedly corrupt Blagojevich, even if his performance thus far might best be judged incomplete.
"I think it's too early to give him a letter grade. But I think he's trying hard," said state Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat who'd become an emphatically outspoken critic of Blagojevich. "Showing up is more than half the battle in Springfield."
While Quinn has successfully avoided the personal political battles that marred his predecessor's tenure and paralyzed government, lawmakers have in some instances expressed desire for the new governor to work closer with them. And neither they nor the governor have many accomplishments to tout so far.
Reform groups have blasted the efforts to pass sweeping ethics legislation this year as a "punt" and "missed opportunity."
Quinn had even vowed to "fumigate" state government after he took the reigns but months later was still relying on Blagojevich's top people to run his ship.
Similarly, a $29 billion construction spending plan that lawmakers approved and financed with higher alcohol taxes, increased vehicle fees and legalized video gambling remains in limbo because lawmakers fear Quinn will veto the deal if he doesn't get his coveted income tax hike.
Distrust of Blagojevich had killed off previous construction plans. And then soon after this one was approved, Quinn announced he'd not sign it until the budget was balanced. He has continued to push them to support the politically-dangerous income tax hike.
Now lawmakers and Illinois' governor find themselves at a crossroads familiar to voters who have watched government operate over the last six years under Blagojevich.
The two sides are staring each other down as state services drown in deep pools of red ink. The governor is holding Chicago news conferences threatening massive shutdowns and government paralysis as lawmakers scoff.
Political observers say it is up to Quinn to find the necessary balance between his traditional role as independent crusader and the new deal-making insider to bridge the divide and move the state forward.
"I'm very impressed and appreciative of his being so honest about the situation and about his proposing solutions as tough as they are," said Grayslake Republican state Rep. Sandy Cole. "I guess I had been hopeful that the political agendas would have been put aside and that we would have worked more cooperatively toward problem-solving."
Daily Herald staff writer Nicole Milstead contributed to this report.