Labor Day Weekend is Unofficial Start to Illinois Governor's Race

Chicago - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn faces a stiff challenge from Republican Bill Brady.

And he's also facing the man who would have been his running mate, newly Independent Scott Lee Cohen.

Cohen is one of 5 candidates running for the Governor's Mansion.

At a news conference today, Cohen said, "I'm spending my own money to have these job fairs and get people real jobs."

It's the same strategy that helped Cohen, a political newcomer, win the nomination for Lt. Governor, he dropped out of that race, but is now running for the state's top job, as an independent.

Governor Quinn didn't want Cohen as his running mate, but now Cohen's added competition in an already tough race.

Quinn made the rounds at Taste of Polonia Today, he says he likes Polish people but not political polls.

A Chicago Tribune survey shows him gaining ground on Republican Bill Brady, but still trailing by 5 percent.

Governor Pat Quinn reacted, saying, it's going to be a tough campaign, it will be a campaign that goes from Labor Day to election day.... I've always been an underdog and I expect to win."

Brady,the businessman from Bloomington also earned a more favorable opinion by voters polled.

Scott Lee Cohen who was dumped by the Democrats says its the two major party politicians who are out of touch, adding,

"I'm really the only candidate who cares about the people of Illinois, who's really doing something today, to help the people."