Passing the torch in 2014 Illinois governor’s race

Quinn’s brief, belated concession ends 2014 Illinois governor’s race

So Governor Quinn finally conceded the election late this afternoon. Still seemingly shocked that, having done a truly loiusy job for the past six years, the citizens of Illinois saw fit NOT to reward him with four more years. As inept in defeat as he was in victory. Now, if we can only get Madigan to follow…

Editor’s note:

While Bruce Rauner had been declared the winner of the 2014 governor’s race by 11 p.m. on Election Day, Gov. Pat Quinn’s speech at his election night party was not the concession that most viewers had expected.

Rather conceding defeat to Rauner, Quinn vowed to wait until every vote had been counted — he hinted that that could be the Friday after the election — until declaring the race over. He was 5 percentage points behind Rauner at that point, and there was virtually no hope that the uncounted ballots could bring Quinn a victory.

Quinn finally changed his mind on Wednesday afternoon, offering a brief concession speech in which — contrary to custom — he didn’t name or congratulate his victorious opponent. He did vow to continue working to raise the Illinois minimum wage, which had been a major theme of his campaign. In a ballot question before voters on Election Day, 67 percent answered “yes” to a question on whether Illinois should raise its minimum wage from the current $8.25 an hour.

Like editorial cartoons? This gallery features a collection of Scott Stantis cartoons about the 2014 Illinois governor’s race.