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Some Want Quinn Recalled Over Income Tax Hike

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) -- There are at least two campaigns to recall Gov. Pat Quinn over the personal and corporate income tax hikes.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports, computer technician Neil Wurzer, of Olympia Fields, is behind an online recall petition drive.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports

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He is upset with the governor for what he sees as a lack of leadership, and he is also upset with the Democrats for raising personal income taxes but making no sacrifices of their own.

"I have seen no sacrifice. None. I have seen no willingness to compromise. None," Wurzer said.

Wurzer's recall effort is symbolic.

"At this point it's just purely meant as a statement. I do not want to put the state of Illinois through the embarrassment of recalling another governor. To me that is shameful," Wurzer said. "But at the same time a point must be made. There has to be a line drawn in the sand."

There is also another recall campaign that does seek the governor's ouster. It is in the early stages of getting organized.

In November, Illinois voters approved a state constitutional amendment that gives the public limited power to recall unpopular governors. The amendment had 66 percent support with 94 percent of precincts reporting.

Voters are now legally able to hold special recall elections to boot governors out of office. However, the recall power doesn't apply to any other public officials and it can only be used if enough state legislators agreed.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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