Illinois Briefs - 11/30/12

Lawmakers Will Ask Obama For Help With River Levels

(Springfield, IL)  --  Illinois lawmakers are joining a push to ask President Obama to help maintain Mississippi River water levels.  The Illinois Senate yesterday okayed a resolution to urge Obama to take emergency action to ensure river water levels don't fall below the level required for commercial ships.  The Army Corps of Engineers wants to restrict the river's water flow which opponents say will result in lower water levels.  Officials say if the levels become too low, traffic on the Mississippi would adversely affect farmers and food processors.

Poll Says Quinn Is Country's Most 'Unpopular' Governor

(Springfield, IL)  --  It seems Democratic Illinois Governor Pat Quinn can't get any love from his constituents.  According to a survey by Public Policy Polling Quinn enjoys a puny 25-percent approval rating in Illinois.  That's the lowest percentage of any official polled by the group.  The poll was conducted this week from a sample of 500 Illinois voters.  Even worse for Quinn, a whopping 64-percent of Illinois voters say they disapprove of his state stewardship.

Illinois Sells Two Lottery Consolation Prizes

(Champaign, IL)  --  The record Powerball lottery jackpot may have gone to two winners outside Illinois but the state did sell two winning tickets for hefty consolation prizes.  Lottery officials say players who purchased tickets in Flanagan and Fairmont, Illinois each won one-million-dollars during Wednesday's record-setting drawing.  The winners were able to match all five white balls and only missed picking the special Powerball.

Special Election For Jackson Junior Seat Delayed

(Chicago, IL)  --  The special election to fill the U.S. House seat left vacant by Illinois Democrat Jesse Jackson Junior is being delayed.  The state says the election will now be held April 9th.  Illinois Governor Pat Quinn had said the election would be March 19th but the state Senate voted to hold off until April in order to coincide with local elections. A Democratic primary to decide the candidates will be held February 26th.