Pro-Gay Pat Quinn Declared Illinois Gov. But Opponent Bill Brady's Not Giving Up

Pro-gay Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn (pictured, right) has added to his lead in the Illinois governor’s race, and the Associated Presshas declared him the winner, but Republican challenger Bill Brady (pictured, left) is still not ready to concede the election.

With 100% of precincts reporting Thursday, Quinn’s lead is 19,400 votes, from about 8,000 Wednesday morning, according to AP and Chicago Tribune reports. Brady, who says he won’t concede until all votes are counted, is holding out hope for absentee ballots, including those from military members, to close the margin. A Tribune analysis, however, indicates most of the ballots not yet counted are from areas likely to favor Quinn, such as Chicago and its inner suburbs, and the AP’s analysis says Quinn’s margin is now impossible to overcome.

“I think the people of Illinois know I won the election,” Quinn said as he thanked supporters in a Chicago restaurant at lunchtime Thursday.

Quinn, a strong gay rights supporter, has pledged to sign the civil unions bill currently pending in the state legislature. Brady opposes civil unions and gay rights generally, and he proposed several antigay measures as a state senator.

State officials have until December 3 to certify the election results.