Lt. gov. prepares for possible take-over

[BlueJessamine]

Source: CBS Chicago

(CHICAGO) (WLS) --

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has been watching the proceedings in Springfield closely.

He would become governor if the state Senate votes to convict Governor Blagojevich.

ABC7 completed what will be our final interview with Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.

If there are no more unexpected developments, Quinn should be sworn in as the next governor of Illinois sometime early Thursday afternoon.

It was another unusual day on the Thompson Center's 15th floor. Lt. Gov. Quinn -- who during his terms has spent most of time away from the office at ceremonial assignments -- worked inside the entire day. His focus was the transition of power.

"I think preparing for succession is necessary. We want to make sure the people of Illinois, their safety is protected. We've got to work on our budget, make sure we toughen up our ethics standards," said Quinn.

Quinn conceded he's already thought about who he will hire to staff his administration.

"We can't hire anybody yet. There are people I know that I would hire if my assignment changes and I know who the chief of staff would be and other people would are key to the running of the government every day," said Quinn.

The state constitution prescribes that Quinn becomes governor as soon as Rod Blagojevich is ousted from office.


Read more: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6629879

[Robbien]

1. About time. In the hearings today we learned all about how Blago

got the State to pay a fake drug company for flu shots which were never delivered.

The State tried everything it could to not pay, but Blago kept pushing and pushing.

The man belongs in jail, but impeachment is good for a start.

[mucifer]

2. I like Pat Quinn. I hope he won't disappoint us.