On Monday the newly elected Bruce Rauner will be inaugurated as Illinois Governor after defeating Gov. Pat Quinn in November.
Last week Tribune reporter Ray Long and I had breakfast with Quinn to chat about his time in office. We met him at the Meli Cafe in the loop, a favorite spot of Quinn’s. His aids explained that Meli Cafe allowed him and his team to stay past closing as they wrote the last State of the State address from a few tables in the far corner. The story can be read HERE.
As we sat waiting, Ray speculated whether Quinn would bring Betsy, his 32-year-old tattered briefcase. But Quinn arrived with only a handful of papers. He seemed in good spirits, not defeated, despite the election results.
It was interesting to sit and listen to him for the hour or so we were there. I’ve photographed Quinn quite a bit during his time in office and it was insightful to hear his perspective on his tenure.
At the end of our interview Quinn got up and reached for his coat. I was struck by the scene as he slid it on in the crowded cafe, the other patrons seemingly unaware he was there.
