Big Endorsements for Hynes and Quinn

Chicago - The Democratic primary for Illinois governor is taking some new twists and turns. Political editor Jack Conaty tells us two key voting blocks within the party are choosing different sides in this race.

No one is ever quite sure how effective they really are, but every candidate wants them. Political endorsements are a source of manpower and money as well as prestige.

Governor Pat Quinn picked up an important one from politicians in the African-American community on Monday when Congressman Danny Davis and a number of other prominent politicians from Chicago's West Side said Quinn is their choice in the February 2nd primary.

Davis, one of the most respected members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, said Quinn is a man of the people and "the state of Illinois could not be in better hands."

Quinn's strongest opponent, comptroller Dan Hynes, also got a big boost with an endorsement from the Illinois Federation of Teachers which has more than 100,000 members statewide.

John Murphy, the political director for the union, said the major issues for his members are school funding and the fragile condition of state pension funds.

Murphy said "all public employees are entitled to a fair and decent retirement" and he said only Hynes's plan for a graduated income tax increase on individuals and families making more than $250,000 a year will ensure that.