Quinn lauds O'Dell, attacks Blagojevich anew

Although Spike O'Dell introduced him as "Governor, uh, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn," that joke laid bare a serious note to Quinn's appearance at O'Dell's last show Friday.

The crowd gave Quinn a rousing ovation, as if to offer him support. And when Quinn declared it "William T. 'Spike' O'Dell Day" in Illinois, it was one of the more emotional moments in the farewell broadcast.

"This just blows me away," O'Dell said. "This is so very cool."

Quinn called O'Dell "the north star that leads us." Afterward, he put forth his own leadership in again calling on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign.

"I think the governor has to reflect with his family and do what's right for the people," he said. "The will of the people is that he resign.

"It's been an ordeal already this week. To prolong it is not good for the public," he added. "I think the voters expect the governor to wake up and see what the facts are. He can't be a leader under these circumstances."

Quinn praised the way the Blagojeviches have raised their two daughters and expressed sympathy for what they must be going through.

"I can see where it's very stressful to be in the media spotlight," he said, "but the only way that will be eliminated is if he resigns."