Gov. Quinn Wants Simon For Lt. Governor

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 26, 2010 2:00PM

While the decision will ultimately rest with state Democratic Party leaders, media outlets across the city are citing sources that say Gov. Quinn wants Sheila Simon, daughter of the late U.S. Senator (and 1988 Presidential candidate) Paul Simon, as his Lt. Governor running mate in the general election this November. While Quinn has not officially made any announcement - that's to come later today - he told the Tribune last night, "I know Sheila. I've worked with Sheila. She has a servant's heart, and that's exactly what Illinois needs in a lieutenant governor."

But the decision is not Quinn's to make; it's the decision of party leaders and they'll meet this weekend to choose the candidate from a list of 16 people (it was 17 but State Rep. Mike Boland has dropped out). Among the other potential candidates are State Rep. Art Turner, who finished second to Scott Lee Cohen in the February primary, and State Sen. Susan Garrett. Some pegged Garrett as the favor to get the spot but she has publicly opposed Quinn's proposed income tax hike, something Simon favors. While Quinn will make a public announcement of his preference later today, the Democratic State Central Committee will make the official pick tomorrow.