Quinn Bill Signings Campaigning?

By Kevin Lee, Illinois Statehouse News
Gov. Pat Quinn has been busy during July, signing a slew of bills ranging from public safety to the state’s newest budget package. But instead of sitting at the governor’s desk Quinn has been busy traveling the state, shaking hands and publicly announcing the new laws.

Denny Jacobs, a former state senator, said this time of year is typically when a governor addresses hundreds of legislative proposals sent by the General Assembly, after lawmakers adjourn for the summer. “It takes a little while to read all the bills and decide which ones you’re going to write. So it’s only logical that July and August and even into September would be that time that you logically sign these bills anyway,” he said.

Pat Brady, chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and of no relation to State Senator Bill Brady running against the Governor, said Quinn’s public bill signings is flat-out wrong. “You understand there’s a little bit of overlap, but he’s crossed way over the line in the last couple of weeks with the way he’s been traveling around the state campaigning under the guise of public safety bills,” he said.

Quinn’s office reiterated that the governor is serving the state when he conducts public bill signings. “As governor, Governor Quinn represents the entire state and travels throughout Illinois to sign pieces of legislation that will improve life for the people of Illinois,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

Last week, Quinn held two Chicago-area press conferences to ink two separate proposals dealing with firearms regulation. On the other hand, Quinn did not have a public appearance when he signed Bill Brady’s proposal mandating  the state Department of Corrections post information on any inmates who were released from prison early.

You can read Kevin's full report at:  http://illinois.statehousenewsonline.com/3767/is-quinn-mixing-bill-signings-with-campaigning/