SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn delivered his annual State of the State address Wednesday in the midst of an election year. Here are quotes with reaction from across the state:
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“Raising the minimum wage in Illinois would be wholly irresponsible and would force retailers to make cuts which will keep many people, especially those in the 16-24 age range, out of work.” - Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.
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“This was a unique opportunity for him to be positive.” - Democratic State Rep. Mike Zalewski of Riverside.
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“He’s no longer in this Blagojevich honeymoon. He’s accountable for his lack of actions, and - to sugarcoat - is, I think, misleading to the people of Illinois.” - State Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington, a Republican gubernatorial primary candidate.
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“It’s more populism. It’s more big spending. It’s pushing the can down the road. Pat Quinn is not one who’s ever done heavy lifting. And this state has major, major crises and Pat Quinn needs to face up to them.” - State Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, a Republican gubernatorial primary candidate.
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“The advantage of the incumbency in the state of the state is that you can cherry pick what you want to say and put out all the rosy things and, very candidly, kind of avoid some of the hard stuff.” - Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford of Chenoa, a GOP gubernatorial primary candidate.
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“We’re one the worst-run states in America. We have entered an economic death spiral, and Gov. Quinn is trying to cover it up and put a rosy picture on it.” - Winnetka businessman Bruce Rauner, who is running for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.
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“I do not agree with (Quinn saying Illinois has made a) comeback. Because how can you make a comeback when the numbers look so dismal?” - Tio Hardiman, a former Chicago anti-violence activist who is running against Quinn in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
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“I applaud Governor Quinn for delivering a strong message on the progress of our state.” - Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.
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“Illinois has come a long way over the last five years, and today Governor Quinn laid out a plan that will keep our state moving forward for years to come.” - Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon.
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“I appreciate the governor, his job is to be positive, he made a positive statement, some noble goals, but the fact is, there’s a price tag that goes along with everything that’s being stated.” Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.
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