Gov. Quinn and Rahm Emanuel pledge ‘strong alliance’ after first post-election meeting

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Gov. Quinn and Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel vowed Friday to turn their 31-year relationship into a “very strong alliance” after their first face-to-face meeting since Emanuel’s election.

Emanuel is inheriting a city on the brink of bankruptcy and a school system $750 million in the hole. He needs pension reforms, a downtown casino, money for the CTA and a Springfield mandate for a longer school day if teachers won’t agree to it at the bargaining table.

The two old friends might have talked about those meaty issues during Friday’s luncheon meeting at the Thompson Center. But, they limited their public comments to political generalities.

“We had a good discussion about a cross-section of issues important to both the city and state. ... [We] talked about where we can form ... a very strong alliance to make sure we are pushing our city and our state forward,” Emanuel said.

“By the time I get sworn in, there’ll only be a couple weeks left to the session. We both share the same view: We don’t have a day to waste as it relates to the people we represent to get moving on the things that are very, very important to ... Chicago and also the state: getting the economy moving, getting the type of investments we need both for education, for job growth and for the types of reforms necessary to make sure our state stays competitive.”

Quinn noted that he and Emanuel have known each other since 1980, providing a solid foundation for a productive political partnership.

Aides said Quinn and Emanuel first met each other while working on a political campaign for then-U.S. Senator Paul Simon (D-Il.)

“We have lots of things we’re gonna do in the coming year and years to come. ... We have a progressive mayor-elect and a progressive governor. I see a future of governors and mayors working together progressive and aggressive,” Quinn said.

“I really look forward to working with Rahm, as I have with Mayor Daley. Mayor Daley ... is one of the greatest mayors America has ever had. He’s the best mayor in America today. I think Rahm is ready to fill his shoes.”

Pressed on whether he and Emanuel have a Springfield agenda, the governor said, “We have lots of energy, lots of ideas, lots of idealism, and we’re gonna apply all of the aforementioned to helping the common good.”