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White Calls Governor's Contest "A Dog Race"

One of Illinois' most popular Democrats is expressing doubts about Governor Pat Quinn's chances.  It's an annual event; hundreds of Democrats get together at a Springfield hotel for breakfast and speeches, before heading out to the state fairgrounds.  It's part reunion, part rally.

But as he headed into the event, Secretary of State Jesse White was candid about his fears that November's election may not go well for Democrats ... or at least for the Democrat near the top of the ticket, Gov. Pat Quinn.

WHITE: "I'm concerned about it, this is probably one of the most hotly contested races I've ever experienced.
REPORTER CAROL MARIN: "If the election were held today do you think he could win it?"
WHITE: "Uh...it's a dog race."    

Quinn brushed it off.

"Jesse White's my friend and always has been my friend, we're a team. Since day one, when I became governor. We're going to win as a team," he said.

So far, polls have consistently give Quinn's Republican challenger, Bruce Rauner, the lead, albeit by varying degrees.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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