Kane County Dems endorse Quinn

The Kane County Democrats are endorsing Gov. Pat Quinn over Comptroller Dan Hynes in the Feb. 2 primary for the state's highest elected office.

Quinn, who became governor in January after Rod Blagojevich was removed from office, was endorsed in an 81-5 vote last week at the organization's monthly meeting in Geneva. Four members voted "present," party officials said.

Kane County Democrats Chairman Mark Guethle said Quinn has offered a lot of support to local Democrats as Blagojevich's lieutenant governor and, more recently, governor. He also has taken an active role in local issues, including a debate over power lines along Randall Road that he helped resolve several years ago, Guethle said.

"He's got a lot of support," Guethle said. "Dan (Hynes) has been out to our events but most people in the room felt Gov. Quinn has the most experience. People feel in general he's an honest and trustworthy elected official."

A message seeking comment from the Hynes campaign was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.

The two candidates have sparred over methods for raising income taxes to offset state budget shortages, among other issues.