Quinn, state leaders praise Obama on Nobel

Longtime political supporters of President Barack Obama in Illinois say the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize is well-deserved.

Former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones says Obama started talking about diplomacy long before he became president.

Jones has known Obama since the president was in his 20s and an activist in Chicago. Jones says it isn't to early to give him the award.

Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes was an early advocate for Obama's presidential run. He says the prize reminds people how meaningful Obama's election was in the U.S. and abroad.

Gov. Pat Quinn says the award is a testament to Obama's efforts at strengthening international diplomacy.

In a surprise choice, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award early Friday.