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Quinn Halts Funding For Statehouse Renovation

Brian Mackey/WUIS

Gov. Pat Quinn has suspended funding for future renovations at the Capitol, a pricey project that's already caused embarrassment for financially-shaky Illinois and raised questions about how it was allowed.  
The Chicago Democrat told reporters Tuesday that he's instructed his budget director to hold up appropriations for renovations that are yet to be done.  

The state has already spent much of the appropriated $50 million for the west wing.  That restoration of the Capitol has already drawn criticism along with finger-pointing. Sparking the outrage has been copper-plated wooden doors costing nearly $670,000 and more than $323,000 for chandeliers.  

Quinn blamed Capitol architect J. Richard Alsop III and says he needs to be ``reigned in'' by the commission he reports to.  
Alsop didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

Quinn's primary opponent, Bill Daley, says it's the Governor's responsibility to watch over spending.  Daley's  spokesman says he supports funding suspension, but that it's too little too late.

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