The Sun-Times is the first major daily newspaper in the Illinois market to endorse a candidate in the Democratic primary for governor today, throwing their support behind incumbent Pat Quinn.  From the piece:

As Illinois' accidental governor, Quinn has had a bumpy ride. But nearly a year after landing the job, his integrity, passion and commitment to fight for the little guy are still what Illinois needs.

The piece goes on to note the passage of the capital bill, campaign finance reform, and Freedom of Information Act improvements during his first year in office.  They note his mishandling of the early prisoner release issue, but still give him credit for the overarching policy:

We even see something to admire in Quinn's decision, politically dangerous from the get-go, to release a small number of state prison inmates early. Quinn didn't handle that one well -- freeing some who should not have been -- but he was brave and right in saying that some offenders, such as drug abusers, are better treated in their communities. Better yet, rare among pols, he admitted his mistakes.

Finally, they give him some advice when it comes to passing a responsible budget during this year's session:

We also urge Quinn to surround himself with tougher, more seasoned advisers who can help him take on powerful House Speaker Mike Madigan. Good intentions will get you only so far in Springfield.

Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Dan Hynes appeared at Chicago's City Club yesterday morning, where he delivered a blistering criticism of Quinn's first year as governor.  An excerpt:

We have heard it time and time again now from Governor Quinn. He assumed office in a crisis, the toughest time in the long history of Illinois, he says.

You see, that’s a fundamental difference between Pat and me. While I do not begrudge him the circumstances under which he assumed office, I do not accept that those circumstances prevented him from doing what’s right for the people of Illinois. In fact, I believe the circumstances presented a unique opportunity, and now one that is lost.

Think about it. After Rod’s departure, never before have the people and institutions of Illinois wanted so much for one man to succeed. The right leader might have taken advantage of the situation to get things done – to be the leader who could shepherd through the hard choices that have too long been ignored.

The people of Illinois were rooting for Pat Quinn. And Pat Quinn struck out.

Over the past 12 months, we've highlighted many of Quinn's missteps in Springfield.  Moreover, we've expressed frustration with his failure to build an effective coalition around an income tax increase. 

The 2010 primary process has shone a brighter spotlight on some of those initial errors, and rightfully so.  But the campaign has also required Quinn to shed some of his outsider skin and start improving his relationships with the labor unions, advocacy groups, and fellow elected officials that are crucial to pushing a more progressive agenda this coming year.  Those are hopeful signs and we look forward to hearing his "State of the State" address next week.

UPDATE (3:40 p.m.): Here's a video excerpt from Hynes' City Club speech:

Full Disclosure: The SEIU Illinois State Council, which sponsors this website, has endorsed Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary for governor.