Quinn Visits Daley, D.C.

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Feb 3, 2009 8:00PM

It's a busy start to his first full week as governor for Pat Quinn. He met yesterday with Mayor Daley here in Chicago and pledged his full support to the Chicago 2016 cause, saying, "We want to have the greenest Olympics ever held." At issue was the $150 million ex-gov Rod Blagojevich had promised to the $1.15 billion financial package to help Chicago in its bid. All indications are that Quinn will back that money as well, saying, "I support whatever is necessary...The General Assembly will have to act on that, and it's an opportunity that I think will happen in the next couple of months."

Once all was done in Chicago, Gov. Quinn was off to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers and White House officials, including David Axelrod, to talk stimulus cash. Quinn sat down with D.C.'s Illinois contingent, which included Senators Durbin and Burris and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Quinn said, "I hope to get to the White House [Tuesday]. President Obama called on Friday. He was extremely gracious and friendly and supportive. We have gone through a very rough period in Illinois, particularly in the last eight weeks. And I think it is important to show that people can work together as a team." Quinn is scheduled to return to Illinois later tonight.

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast