Quinn, Brady Shore Up Bases On Last Day
CHICAGO (CBS) - Whichever candidate wins the gubernatorial race will inherit a major state budget mess, and tough choices about possible spending cuts, tax increases, or both.
CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports the next governor will be stuck with a $13 billion budget hole. Divided by the population of Illinois, that works out to a debt of about $1,007.75 for every man, woman and child in the state.
Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports, Republican candidate Bill Brady, who has been ahead in the polls, spent the morning seeking support from suburban commuters at Ogilvie Transportation Center.
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Meanwhile across town, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn worked to fire up his base of support at the 95th Street Red Line terminal on the city's South Side.
It was a last day of politicking ahead of tomorrow's crucial vote. Brady was pleased with the latest polling numbers he's seen.
"We're pleased with the polling data, but the vote is what counts," Brady said.
Quinn said his polling numbers reflect a different reality.
"Our internal polling shows that we're ahead and we're surging," Quinn said.
Quinn is running against a tide that national pundits say will flush many incumbents from office. But he said he has the best plan to create jobs in Illinois.
Later Monday, the two major-party candidates for governor almost ran into each other at Midway airport, where their planes landed.
At an airport news conference, Quinn remained on the attack.
"Sen. Brady is an extremist -- he's run an extreme campaign," the Democrat said.
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine found Brady sitting alone in a nearby lounge, making last-minute phone calls. He defended his opposition to an income-tax hike to offset a historic state budget deficit.
"We can't raise taxes on the backs of hardworking families and businesses," Brady said.
Quinn was scheduled to end his day with a torchlight parade in the city. Brady would join voters in his strong suburban base.
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney was also out campaigning at Ogilvie Monday morning.
