Governor won't weigh in on teachers' strike

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Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he respects Chicago teachers' right to protest and he's doing the best that he can to improve education in Illinois.
   
But the Chicago Democrat is declining to weigh in on the strike, which entered its second day today.
   
Quinn spoke at a Sept. 11 memorial event at a Chicago library where the family members of fallen soldiers gathered to remember their loved ones.
   
Teachers on strike at a nearby school marched over and began picketing outside the event.
   
Quinn wished them good luck and told them he respects their jobs. He then urged them to look at a traveling exhibit commemorating fallen soldiers inside the library.
   
Quinn declined to answer any questions, saying it was a day to remember the victims of Sept. 11.

Earlier story:

CHICAGO (AP) - Dozens of striking Chicago teachers are protesting outside a Sept. 11 memorial event where Gov. Pat Quinn is speaking.
   
The Chicago Democrat hasn't weighed in on the walkout, which entered its second day on Tuesday.
   
As he headed into the event, Quinn walked through the crowd, which sang "Amazing Grace" and held American flags. He said "Good luck."
   
The teachers marched over from nearby Curie Metro High School on the city's southwest side.
   
Several protesting teacher groups citywide have been marching as well. They included science teacher Joe Wasik, who says teacher evaluations need to be fair, which is an issue under negotiation.

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