Quinn launches pension website using mascot "Squeezy the Python"
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CHICAGO (Associated Press) -
Reaction to Gov. Pat Quinn's online campaign to excite Illinoisans about pension reform is prompting scathing criticism, mock Facebook and Twitter sites and some praise.
After months of promising details, Quinn launched a website over the weekend that gives a brief history on pensions and summaries of the problem. The sometimes campy site also includes a cartoon snake named "Squeezy the Pension Python."
A leading union called the website "silly." A lawmaker who's worked on pensions says it should be more serious.
But other lawmakers and social media experts say it's innovative and could work in Quinn's favor.
Brookings Institution political scientist Darrell West says the tactic could attract new interest, but Quinn needs to act fast to capitalize on it.
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