Former Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has become the 41st Governor of the State of Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - January 29, 2009. Former Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has become the 41st Governor of the State of Illinois, having taken the Oath of Office at 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009. The Oath of Office was administered by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke in a brief ceremony in the Chamber of the Illinois House of Representatives.

"I pledge an open and fair state government worthy of being called the Land of Lincoln," Quinn said. "The people of Illinois have the right to expect integrity and diligence from their elected officials."

On Thursday, the Illinois Senate convicted Governor Blagojevich on Articles of Impeachment the House passed earlier this month. Therefore, under Article V, Section 6(c) of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, the Lt. Governor assumes all duties and powers of Governor.

"In the coming days, we will face some tough choices. I am confident that by working together we will meet these challenges to emerge a much stronger and vibrant state."

Governor Quinn reminds Illinois citizens of President Abraham Lincoln's immortal words: "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth."