Quinn Holds Off On Honoring Packers

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Gov. Pat Quinn has decided not to make good on his Bears-Packers bet with the governor of Wisconsin – at least not now.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports, a more serious political issue has gotten in the way. Quinn does not support Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip state employee unions of their collective bargaining rights.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports

Quinn was supposed to be volunteering Monday at a Milwaukee food distribution center, wearing a Packers jersey. For now, those plans are off.

Quinn says he doesn't want to make it appear that he is supporting Walker.

On Friday, Quinn welcomed Democratic Wisconsin state senators who hid out in Chicago to delay a vote. He said the Democrats are welcome to stay until Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, in Quinn's words, "comes to his senses."

Quinn spokeswoman Annie Thompson said it's fair to say there Quinn and Walker don't see issues the same way.

"I think it's safe to say that, and the governor has said in the past that he does not believe in kicking other states in the shins," Quinn said.

Quinn has said he thought Walker did just that by trying to lure Illinois businesses across the state line after a hike in the Illinois income tax.

Quinn also supports labor unions, and they've returned the favor, Thompson said.

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• Pat Quinn
• Scott Walker
• Wisconsin
• Green Bay Packers