Gov. Quinn ramping up 2014 re-election campaign

CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is ramping up his re-election campaign.

Quinn's campaign announced Saturday the Chicago Democrat has hired Illinois native Bill Hyers to serve as chief strategist.

Hyers most recently managed Bill de Blasio's successful campaign for mayor of New York. In 2012 he managed President Barack Obama's Pennsylvania campaign operation. He was Midwest director for Obama in 2008.

Quinn is seeking his second full term. He faces a lesser-known opponent, anti-violence activist Tio Hardiman of Hillside, in the March 18 primary.

In a statement, Quinn' campaign says he expects to announce additional senior campaign staff in coming weeks.

Four Republicans are seeking their party's nomination for governor: state Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard, businessman Bruce Rauner and state Treasurer Dan Rutherford.