Springfield doesn't exist in a vacuum--lobbyists, trade organizations, unions (Yes, there is some overlap here) are pushing their agendas while the capital is in hurry-up offense mode.
And the campaign of the man was twice a running mate of disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich is sniffing around for donations.
Twice the Chicago Democrat was a beneficiary of Blago's dirty cash. Now he's attempting to raise his own swag, as AP reports:
Gov. Pat Quinn said Friday a campaign aide made an embarrassing mistake by calling Springfield interest groups to raise political money and denied any intention of demanding contributions in exchange for special access to him.
But representatives from two trade associations told The Associated Press that Quinn's campaign contacted them offering "face time." In one case, political director Holly Copeland acknowledged the need for political contributions but did not mention a specific amount. In another, she said the campaign's "goal" for the meeting was $15,000.
Quinn said Copeland was supposed to contact groups that had offered to raise money for him and make arrangements. But Quinn said he learned Friday the aide went further and called groups he hadn't approved.
When asked how much they should donate, Quinn said Copeland often suggested $15,000.
15 grand? Even in a big state like Illinois, that's a lot of money.
Here's some history: Thirteen years ago, none other than then-Congressman Dick Durbin accused Quinn of being a ghost-payroller in the Dan Walker administration. Quinn denies that charge.
Walker later spent time in prison for fraud involving a savings and loan he ran.
This is so Illinois.
Quinn prides himself on his "Mr. Clean" reputation. But it looks like more of the same from him now that he's governor.
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