WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderQuinn picks up where Blagojevich started

Quinn picks up where Blagojevich started

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is picking up the pieces of his impeached and ousted predecessor, Rod Blagojevich.

The state Senate's unanimous vote Thursday to remove Blagojevich for abusing power eliminates just part of the stain that has soiled Illinois politics for decades.

Good-government advocates predict sweeping changes in campaign finance laws. Blagojevich still faces criminal charges that he tried to trade government action for personal gain.

Sen. Michael Noland of Elgin says he's never seen the Legislature more united. He hopes lawmakers can capitalize on that unity.

Proposals include limits on campaign contributions, public financing of elections, and more disclosure of lobbyist activities and candidates' financial information.

Quinn gets down to business as Illinois governor

CHICAGO (AP) -- New Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says the ordeal is over, but now the work begins.

Quinn was sworn in Thursday after the state Senate booted Rod Blagojevich out of office with a 59-0 vote at his impeachment trial.

During an interview on WLS Radio's "The Don and Roma Morning Show" on Friday, Quinn said he expects to be busy on his first full day as Illinois' governor.

The 60-year-old Democrat says his job is to "mend the flaws" in state government, and he says a big part of that is assessing the damage that's been done so he can determine what to do next.

Quinn says the taxpayers of Illinois are entitled to good service from the state.

He touted the work of the Illinois Reform Commission, which has been tasked with cleaning up state government. And he pledged to work with lawmakers and other state officials as a team to get the job done.

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