News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

IL Legislative Failures Could Hurt Quinn In 2014 Bid

The Illinois Legislature's failure to act on the pension crisis could cause problems for Gov. Pat Quinn's re-election bid.  Quinn has said fixing Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension shortfall is his top priority. He also wanted lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage and approve restrictions on high-capacity ammunition magazines. But the Legislature adjourned Friday without sending those measures to the governor's desk. Political analyst Don Rose says it was a missed opportunity for Quinn. He says the Democrat needed some wins to boost his low approval ratings before the 2014 election. Quinn's challengers already are lining up. Republican state Treasurer Dan Rutherford announced Sunday he's running for governor. He criticized Quinn's leadership on the pension issue. Quinn Spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says the governor will keep fighting for a solution.