Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon Won’t Seek Re-Election

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will have to pick a new running mate for his re-election campaign. Sheila Simon said on Wednesday that she doesn’t want to be lieutenant governor any more.

Simon talked to reporters for just a little more than three minutes on Wednesday morning - saying she won’t run for re-election to the same position.

"Announcing today what I’m not doing today which is not running for lieutenant governor again and looking forward to ways that I can serve the State of Illinois," Simon said.

Simon’s announcement comes as some recent polls have shown Quinn’s approval ratings are low.

Quinn handpicked Simon to be his running mate in the 2010 campaign - after the winner of the lieutenant governor primary race - Scott Lee Cohen - resigned in scandal.

The rules have changed since then - and now candidates for governor must select their running mates before the primary.

When asked about next year’s election - Quinn didn’t say who he wants for his running mate - but did say what he’s looking for.

"Honesty is the best policy so I think our government of Illinois, more than anything, needs men and women of integrity in high positions - elected positions," Quinn said. "So that’s where I’m coming from."

Simon said she expects to run for office again - but would not say to which position.