From the Chicago Tribune:

Gov. Patrick Quinn today backed off on his call for lawmakers to press ahead with a special election that could effectively remove embattled U.S. Sen. Roland Burris from office.

Emerging from a meeting with African-American elected leaders, Quinn said it’s time for the state to get past the controversy surrounding Burris and focus on other issues, such as jump starting the economy.

Last week, Quinn said during an appearance on “The Steve Cochran Show” on WGN-AM that lawmakers should take advantage of a clause in the U.S. Constitution’s 17th Amendment that allows for a special election while Burris is serving, which could force Burris from office. Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan issued an opinion saying such a move would be legal.

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