Coalition Of Chicago Ministers Backs Quinn For Governor
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn on Thursday received the endorsement of a few dozen church leaders, most of them African-American ministers, but there were a couple notable absences.
WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller reports several ministers praised the governor.
Rev. Walter Turner, pastor of New Spiritual Light Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Baptist Ministers Conference, introduced the governor at the endorsement event.
"Not only does he have a vision, but we have a governor who has a commitment that he has stated time and time again; that he will be here to do what needs to be done, and to make sure that all is included. No one will be left out," he said. "That is why, today, for this time, for this season, we have no other choice."
Others among the group backing Quinn were Rev. Michael Pfleger, Rev. Albert Tyson, and Bishop Claude Porter.
However, two other prominent African American ministers – Rev. James Meeks and Rev. Marshall Hatch – have made a different choice. Both have endorsed Republican challenger Bruce Rauner.
Turner blasted Rauner for a lack of diversity on his campaign staff.
"There has been no African-Americans nowhere in his workplace. No one that he has hired that is an African-American," Turner said.
Although the governor's aides assured reporters Quinn would take questions after the endorsement speeches, he ducked out without speaking to the media.