Governor Quinn Statement Regarding Passing of Gene Callahan

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passing of Gene Callahan:

"Gene Callahan was one of those rare fixtures in the political world - a true gentleman who could work with anybody, any time, to get things done.

"It is hard to believe the 40-plus-year ‘Callahan era' has come to a close. Few of us can remember a time when Gene was not involved in public service. Thankfully, he has instilled those same values in his daughter Cheri Bustos, who has taken his ethic of hard work and honesty to the U.S. Congress.

"Illinois has suffered two huge losses recently - first former Senator Alan Dixon, and now the Senator's long-time friend and advisor, Gene Callahan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the thousands of people whose lives Gene touched during his long and storied life."