Governor Election Uncertainty May Stretch into State Policymaking

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican Bill Brady are stuck in limbo instead of launching their transition or tackling a legislative agenda as the Illinois governor's race drags on.

Brady said Wednesday he's willing to wait a month for official results after all the votes are counted to see if he can overcome Quinn's slim lead, which had widened to about 19,000 votes at last count.

The uncertainty means Quinn may face the fall legislative session without any certainty he'll still be governor in January. That's a handicap as he tries to resolve a budget deficit that could hit $15 billion next year.

For Brady, it leaves him focused on the election instead of looking ahead to form a new administration should he win.

Democratic Senate President John Cullerton said the possibility of not having the election settled until early next month will not impact government business.