SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Several Republicans considering runs for the 2014 governor's race have criticized Gov. Pat Quinn's State of the State address for a lack of specifics and little attention to Illinois' strained finances.

State Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington says Quinn failed to mention the backlog of unpaid bills. Brady says Quinn should have focused more on jobs.

Gov. Quinn spent more time today at State of State launching re-election bid than showing leadership to solve Illinois pressing challenges.

— Bill Brady (@Bill_Brady) February 6, 2013

Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale says Quinn should have talked more about job creation and addressed the nearly $100 billion pension problem.

He and others say Quinn's roughly 40 minute speech sounded like a campaign-style address.

Quinn has said he'll seek re-election next year. Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley and Attorney General Lisa Madigan are potential Democratic challengers.

Quinn cast pensions as the "toughest of issues" but did mention it heavily.

Highlights from Quinn's State of the State speech

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn gave his annual State of the State address Wednesday in Springfield. Here is a list of highlights:

-Proposes raising Illinois' minimum wage from $8.25 to $10 an hour.

-Urges lawmakers to solve state's nearly $100 billion, worst-in-the-nation pension problem. Puts his support behind Senate Bill 1, a hybrid of previous bills, sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton.

-Proposes that Illinois lawmakers recuse themselves from taking a vote or other official action if there's a conflict of interest. Proposal would also prevent lawmakers from representing a person or corporation where there's a financial or personal conflict of interest.

-Signs executive order designed to help military veterans get jobs. The order calls for state agencies to streamline the process for veterans applying for job licenses.

-Reiterates call for assault weapons ban in Illinois and a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines.

-Says it's time for Illinois to allow gay marriage. A Senate committee has approved legislation allowing same-sex marriage. Backers of the measure say a Senate vote could come as early as next Thursday, which is Valentine's Day.

-Wants online voter registration and open primary elections where voters don't have to declare a political party before casting a ballot.

-Proposes the Illinois Manufacturing Lab in Chicago to allow companies to learn and use new tools and software.
 

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