SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - It's tough being governor of a state weighed down by debt, overdue bills and rising expenses. It's even tougher when lawmakers seem happy to ignore your ideas when it suits their mood. That's the situation facing Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. The Chicago Democrat has seen his share of legislative victories, but he has also seen lawmakers ignore his budget proposal, routinely overturn vetoes and brush aside proposals like consolidating small schools. As Quinn prepares for his State of the State address, he faces twin challenges. He must come up with proposals to ease the state's massive financial problems and a strategy to increase his ability to enact those proposals. The governor says he has a strong relationship with the General Assembly. full story
