Quinn to formally announce candidacy

[October 22, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A campaign ad for Gov. Pat Quinn is running on TVs across the state, so the announcement that he wants a full term as governor comes as no surprise.

Quinn will travel to nine cities around the state Thursday to formally declare his candidacy.

The former lieutenant governor wants to keep the job he inherited when Rod Blagojevich was removed from office by lawmakers in January after being arrested on federal corruption charges. Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty.

Quinn starts his announcement tour in Chicago before heading to Springfield and Cahokia.

Other spots he'll visit downstate are Herrin, West Frankfort, Mount Vernon, Salem, Mattoon and Tuscola.

Quinn will square off in the Feb. 2 Democratic primary against Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes. Oak Park attorney Ed Scanlan also says he's running.

[Associated Press]

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