From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…
What did he know and when did he know it?
Republican candidate for Governor Kirk Dillard today called on Governor Quinn to come clean and tell the truth about his secret program that released inmates from prison early. According to a hastily arranged announcement, the Quinn administration acknowledges that 64 former inmates have allegedly committed new crimes, some violent, since the Administration ordered the secret release without notifying victims or law enforcement. New crimes include assault, domestic violence, and firearm possession by a felon.
“I worked with prosecutors, judges, and victims of crime to author Illinois’ truth-in-sentencing law to punish criminals and protect law-abiding Illinoisans,” said Dillard. “The fact that Pat Quinn and his administration authorized a special secret program to release dangerous criminals is a slap in the face to law enforcement and victims of crime. Governor Quinn has abdicated his responsibility to protect the safety of Illinoisans.”
According to published reports, Quinn has repeatedly changed his story about what he knew and when he knew it. Quinn at first denied knowing about the program but an administration spokeswoman in an AP story later stated that it is “more efficient” to release the inmates after two or three weeks at the Stateville processing center instead of spending money to send them to prison for just a couple of months.
Today, Pat Quinn refused to apologize for the program while his Director of Corrections took the blame for his mistakes. “Instead of taking responsibility for the critical lapse in judgment, Quinn tried to deflect criticism by announcing four recommendations with absolutely no substance,” said Dillard. “It follows a disturbing pattern from Quinn who often creates commissions to “study” problems instead of leading.”
“The buck stops at the Governor’s desk. He needs to stand up, tell the truth, and take responsibility for his actions instead of creating a scapegoat,” said Dillard.