If Gov. Pat Quinn winds up losing the Democratic primary on Tuesday, it will be more than just a stinging political defeat for him. It means Illinois would be stuck with a lame duck governor for the next year.
Losing the election would significantly weaken Quinn's leverage over lawmakers and make it harder for him to get things done.
Democratic state Rep. Lou Lang says that could be dangerous given the state's financial problem. The budget deficit could reach $13 billion, requiring a tax increase, painful budget cuts or both.
Losing the primary is a possibility Quinn won't acknowledge. He won't discuss the potential difficulties of governing as a lame duck.
Recent polls show his once-healthy lead over Comptroller Dan Hynes has vanished.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Losing the election would significantly weaken Quinn's leverage over lawmakers and make it harder for him to get things done.
Democratic state Rep. Lou Lang says that could be dangerous given the state's financial problem. The budget deficit could reach $13 billion, requiring a tax increase, painful budget cuts or both.
Losing the primary is a possibility Quinn won't acknowledge. He won't discuss the potential difficulties of governing as a lame duck.
Recent polls show his once-healthy lead over Comptroller Dan Hynes has vanished.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
