Quinn takes oath for full term as governor; speech offers few details

[January 11, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday took the oath of office for his first full term as governor, complimenting practically every aspect of the state and touching only briefly on the state's dire fiscal problems.

In a somewhat rambling 30-minute speech, Quinn applauded the state's education, transportation, manufacturing and agricultural systems. But the state's nearly $15 billion budget deficit -- including a stack of more than $5 billion in unpaid bills -- got only a brief mention.

"I'm here today to say that we will pay our bills, that we will stabilize our budget," Quinn said. "We will strengthen our economy. We will do that, and we will do that very, very soon."

Since Thursday lawmakers have been negotiating a potential 75 percent increase in the state's personal income tax, a boost in the corporate tax to 8.4 percent and a loan of at least $12 billion before the lame-duck session ends on Wednesday at noon.

As head of the legislature's Black Caucus, state Rep. Will Davis, D-East Hazel Crest, said he and his colleagues are looking for Quinn's leadership to solve the budget since they've cast support his way.

"We are working hard right now on tax revenue to bring more revenue to the state to make sure we have more money for education, human service organizations, as well as property tax reform -- he's been working with us on that," Davis said. "We just have to make sure that for our support, he needs to deliver what he needs for our communities."

State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, said that although Quinn's speech lacked focus, he believes the governor will keep the best interests of Illinois residents at heart.

"He's probably not the world's greatest orator, but that's not what we need at this point," Koehler said. "We need somebody who's humble, who understands the importance of how government affects the ordinary lives of people all over the state."

Quinn's humility was evident throughout the speech, as he took a shot at himself and past failed runs for office. Quinn won the November election over Republican state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington by about 32,000 votes.

"I haven't won every election. I've lost a few along the way," Quinn said. "And there is a saying, 'One day a peacock, the next day a feather duster.' I've been there."

Brady declined to criticize the governor's speech, choosing instead to focus on the new General Assembly.

"Today's a day of celebration for those elected -- I congratulate them," Brady said. "But come Wednesday, it's going to be time to roll up our sleeves and get to work and put a plan forward for the people of Illinois."

Just what that plan will be concerns state Sen. Pam Althoff, R-Crystal Lake, since she said Quinn's speech offered no idea of what to expect in the coming months.

"I heard a very moving tribute to his family, to the experiences as he campaigned around the state of Illinois, but what was really lacking, once again, was a plan -- where do we go from here," she said.

Quinn began his speech by honoring the victims of Sunday's shooting in Phoenix that killed six and left 14 injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

"We need to end the violence and end the silence about the violence," Quinn said. "It is important in our democracy that we have robust debate and people have a chance to speak. But it's always important to honor and care for our neighbor."

He touched on "restoring integrity" to the office of governor, after his ascension to the office from lieutenant governor following the legislative ouster and later federal conviction of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

He stressed the importance of education, perhaps in an attempt to underscore his campaign push for a 1 percentage point increase in the personal income tax as a "surcharge for education."

"Education is the strongest force in our land for equal opportunity," the governor said.

As Quinn's running mate, Lt. Gov. Shelia Simon echoed that sentiment and asked all of the youngsters and students in the audience to stand for applause.

"Because of you, we do what we do in our government to shape your future," Simon said. "My goal, our mission, is to pass on a state that's in better condition than we found it."

Simon is the daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon and was a law professor at Southern Illinois University before resigning to campaign for office.

As one lawmaker who won't be returning to office when the new General Assembly is seated on Wednesday, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, said his last few days have been bittersweet -- but don't count him out just yet. Hoffman was defeated by Edwardsville businessman and Republican Dwight Kay.

"Well, it's going to be difficult -- I've enjoyed the 20 years I've spent in Springfield. I'm not willing to say I'll never run again," Hoffman said. "I think I'll enjoy being a private citizen. I'm still going to be involved in public service in some fashion. And maybe you'll see me again sometime."

Attorney General Lisa Madigan was sworn into her third term of office, while fellow Democrat Secretary of State Jesse White took the oath of office for the fourth time. Republican Judy Baar Topinka, a former state treasurer, returned to statewide office as comptroller, while state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, was sworn in as treasurer.

[Illinois Statehouse News; By MARY MASSINGALE]

Reporters Melissa Leu and Diane Lee contributed to this report.