CHICAGO–First Lady Michelle Obama made a special appearance in Chicago Tuesday to encourage Illinois’ voters to check Gov. Pat Quinn’s name on the ballot next month.
“There is a reason that I’m here today for Governor Quinn, and there’s a reason why I’m going to be casting my vote for Governor Quinn, and that is because I know Pat Quinn and I have seen how he is out there every day making the tough decisions to lift up our families and to move this state forward,” said Obama.
More than 5,000 filled the stadium bleachers in the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Pavillion to see the First Lady. Elected officials such as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Secretary of State Jesse White, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL2), U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis, (D-IL7), Illinois Attorney General Attorney Lisa Madigan, and more, took the stage one at a time. They faced the exhilarated audience, encouraging them to vote in this year’s election.
“If you don’t vote, the other guy wins,” said White, who said people need to vote for Quinn on Nov. 4.
Preckwinkle said that gubernational Republican candidate Bruce Rauner only cares about cutting government spending. His campaign shouldn’t have a “for profit” angle, but instead it should focus on the people, she explained.
Quinn has been in office since 2009. His focus has always been on education in Illinois and helping veterans.
“I’ve watched Pat work tirelessly with me, hand in hand, for our veterans and military families, helping them buy homes, find jobs and get the education they’ve earned,” said Obama.
“I am honored to have the support of my friend, the First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama,” Quinn said.
“The First Lady’s work for education, our veterans and our military families is truly inspiring; together we will keep Illinois moving forward with more jobs, stronger education and an economy that works for everyone,” he said.
Recently, Quinn has vocalized his support in increasing minimum wage. He even suspended his own paycheck to help alleviate the state’s pension crisis.
Over the last couple of weeks, the Democratic governor has received support from members of the Black Caucus, local trade unionists and even President Barack Obama, who came to Chicago last week for a Quinn fundraiser.
“If we want a Governor who shares our values and is going to fight for our families, then we need to work day and night to reelect Pat Quinn as Governor of Illinois,” said the First Lady.
Last week, Quinn attended a luncheon at the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers on Friday, where he talked about minimum wage and healthcare.
Members of the Black Caucus, Ald. Howard Brookins (21st Ward), the Chicago Chapter Coalition of the Black Trade Unionists and the Association of Letter Carriers showed their support for the Illinois governor. He discussed the importance of everyone working together on all levels, local, state and federal.
U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis, (D-7) said some are too hard on Quinn, blaming him for decisions that were out of his control.
“Whatever the House and Senate decides to do you can’t lay that at the feet of the governor,” said Davis.
“I think Pat Quinn has done outstandingly well with the government he inherited when he was first appointed by the legislature and with the government that has been created after he was elected,” he said.
Davis said Quinn has always been there for the African American community.
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL2) said it’s crucial that people vote in this election.
“People died so that we would have the right to vote and what I like to say, if you’re not at the table or a voice at the table then you’re on the menu so if we want to make changes,we have to vote,” she said.
About Post Author
