In March, 2013 David Blanchette, who had worked at the IL Historic Preservation Agency for nearly fourteen years, joined the Governor Pat Quinn administration as an assistant press secretary. He was brought on board to maximize the positive publicity the governor received in the lead-up to Quinn's run for reelection in 2014. David proved to be very successful in promoting the governor's 'Illinois Jobs Now' program, where he targeted the initiative's successes in local communities, but it was not enough to defeat Quinn's opponent, wealthy businessman Bruce Rauner, in what proved to be a strong Republican year.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Wing Tips Coming Down The Hallway
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Joining Gov. Pat Quinn’s press team and early experiences on his staff
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
More on Gov. Quinn and the 2014 election against Bruce Rauner
Photos
Caption:
Media chase. The Chicago Tribune's Ray Long pushed his way past Dave Blanchette and the security detail intent on asking Governor Quinn a question immediately after his final budget message in early 2014.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Early 2014
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Dave Blanchette, on Governor Quinn’s left, was on hand during a news conference during the dedication of the Ray LaHood Highway in Peoria in July, 2014.
Where:
Peoria
When:
July, 2014
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Pat Quinn holds a staff meeting over dinner during one of his ‘infamous’ late night meetings at the Governor’s Mansion. Dave is in the middle, the Governor on the left and Chief of Staff Ryan Croke is on the right. A game was often on during meetings.
Where:
Governor’s Mansion
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
Dave holds a model of the state plane (a King Air) while shaking Gov. Quinn’s hand at a staff going away party at the mansion in January, 2015. Blanchette had criss-crossed the state with Governor Quinn during his time as assistant press secretary.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
January, 2015
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption:
The final photo of Governor Quinn’s press team. Left to right: Nick Desideri; Katie Hickey; Grant Klinzman; Press Secretary Brooke Anderson; Governor Quinn; Springfield spokesman David Blanchette; Billy Morgan; Jeff Tolman; and Kyle Ann Sebastian.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo