Test of Quinn's Leadership

McKenna calls on Blagojevich’s Lieutenant Governor to keep his promise – this time

First Quinn rejects Burris appointment – calls for special election

Now Quinn mentioned in back room deal

Blagojevich’s Lt. Governor faces first test of leadership

Should not endorse anyone until legislature passes special election

The Illinois Republican Party today called on Rod Blagojevich’s Lt. Governor Pat Quinn to keep his promise by continuing to push for a special election.

When Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris, Quinn rejected the appointment, calling it an “insult to the people of Illinois” and continued calls for a special election if he became Governor.[1] Now, in a scene eerily reminiscent of Rod Blagojevich’s attempt to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat, Politico is reporting that Democrats in Washington and Illinois are working vigorously behind closed doors to obtain Lt. Governor Pat Quinn’s endorsement of Roland Burris.[2]

“Lieutenant Governor Quinn made a promise to the people of Illinois and we expect him to keep that promise,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna. “Endorsing Roland Burris or anything short of a special election is breaking his promise to the people of Illinois.”

Immediately after Rod Blagojevich was arrested Quinn supported a special election, went back on his word, but is now supporting a special election again. Further, Quinn stood silently for six years as investigations continued to swirl around Rod Blagojevich and was a direct beneficiary of the tainted Blagojevich Campaign Fund.

“This is Pat Quinn’s first test of leadership,” added McKenna. “Calling for a special election would break with Democratic leaders in Illinois and Washington but endorsing Roland Burris and backing away from his promise of a special election is breaking his promise to the people of Illinois.”