* Several state employees have forwarded me a letter they received from Gov. Pat Quinn…

Dear State Employees,

I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your exceptional work during this difficult time. The everyday workers of state government deserve a salute - because you are the true embodiment of public service.

As your governor, I pledge an open and fair state government worthy of being called the Land of Lincoln. I vow to restore your faith in government and will work tirelessly everyday to make you proud to be a citizen and employee of this great state.

In the coming days, we will face some tough choices. I am confident that by working together we will meet these challenges to emerge a much stronger and vibrant state.

I believe our state’s best days are ahead. I welcome your help and support as we work together in behalf of the people of Illinois.

That’s quite a stark departure from the recent past. Rod Blagojevich regularly expressed his disdain for state employees. The workers who have sent me the e-mail were astonished and quite overjoyed at the sentiment expressed by Quinn.

* A few minutes ago, I received this press release from AFSCME…

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will speak to members of the largest union of state employees, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31, at the union’s annual legislative conference tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 31) morning in Springfield.

AFSCME endorsed Blagojevich in 2002, but the union had a stormy relationship with him ever since. I’ll bet Quinn gets a nice reception tomorrow.