The key was them making their free throws (14-for-18). We've been consistent all year, but tonight we were having trouble finding the basket.

Clearly, marriage doesn't need to be protected from gay people. It is gay people who need to be protected from anti-gay bigots.

Illinois is not a trendsetter, but it's not a right-winger. We're not Massachusetts or California, but we're certainly not Alabama or Tennessee.... Illinoisans are reasonable people. We are cautious, but we want to do the right thing.

I know that he has said things in the past that have been offensive to some groups of people - gays, in particular to Jews. But I think that the invitation from the Nation of Islam to Jews and to gays may be a step in the right direction. I took it as such.

They will always question the results of our polling. We challenge them... Let's have a joint poll and ask the voters of Illinois what they think about tampering with our Constitution.

It took 30 years for it (the Legislature) to pass something as simple as protecting people on the basis of sexual orientation. On one hand, the Illinois General Assembly should be commended for recognizing all Illinoisans should be treated the same. But on the other hand, what the hell took so long?

No matter what he does, he's going to tick somebody off. It's completely a no-win situation.

It's about time. It's completely out of control and someone needs to exert some leadership.

The bottom line is they are just attempting to build a right-wing voter base in the state of Illinois, which traditionally has been moderate.

The governor's commission has a long history of doing educational work and community outreach.