Event Honoring Quinn Raises ‘Pay To Play’ Issues

An Illinois lobbying firm that shares leadership with a state subcontractor is hosting a fundraiser for a group financially supporting Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn's re-election.

The event raises questions about "pay to play'' politics in one of the most competitive governor's races in the nation.
 
The Roosevelt Group is hosting a fundraiser at its office Tuesday for the Democratic Governors Association "honoring Pat Quinn,'' according to the invitation.

The group has contributed $260,000 to its political action committee supporting Quinn's re-election.
 
Roosevelt Group's principals also own a consulting firm that has a $250,000 state subcontract to promote health insurance coverage. State law bars contractors from contributing to officeholders with control over contracts.
 
Quinn campaign spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says the event isn't a Quinn fundraiser and he's not attending it.