I have a job to do on policy. And I think that's what people want their governor to do. Not politics, policy.

I think there's a down-to-earthness with Midwesterners and with people from the Midlands - which is where my family is from - in Ireland.

I'm not for splitting the job up. I think the commissioner should be the commissioner, but I think he's got to have some very strong people around him.

I don't aspire to have high approval ratings. I aspire, in light of my two predecessors, to be the most honest governor I can be. I'd rather focus on honesty than popularity.

I think the best way to go is to get a statute that essentially puts Illinois in the column of having a renewable portfolio standard.

When you are hoping for a call or want something different, I think you lose your edge.