*** UPDATE *** After listening to the raw audio of the governor’s walk and talk with reporters, I’ve come to the conclusion that this was a manufactured story by the media. The governor didn’t sound to me like he was planning any sort of special session. Listen for yourself…

Click to listen

It appears that some folks were desperate for copy. That’s not a good thing.

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* AP…

Gov. Pat Quinn is hinting at the possibility of a special session on pensions when lawmakers are in Springfield next month for the Illinois State Fair.

A bipartisan panel is attempting to come up with a solution to the nearly $100 billion crisis after the House and Senate remained deadlocked. However the panel blew past Quinn’s deadline to report back and he halted their pay as a consequence.

Quinn told reporters Tuesday that legislators will be in Springfield for the annual days devoted to state political leaders and it’s an “ideal time” for them to also work on pensions. But the Chicago Democrat wouldn’t specifically say if that’s his plan.

If the pension reform conference committee is still meeting by State Fair time, then this would be a needless stunt. Period. End of story.

But, of course, the media will lap it up. Quinn will fail again. Legislators will be even angrier.

And the 15-day clock might start ticking on Quinn’s vetoes if the House convenes a regular session, which would make this an even bigger stunt, with more media lapping, more angry legislators, more failure.