New Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn isn’t off to a great start as far as clearing out the state’s corruption is concerned. Quinn named an aide linked to both Rod Blagojevich, the impeached governor, and Tony Rezko, convicted felon and Obama land dealer, to a high-level post in his new administration. Jack Lavin, a longtime friend of Quinn’s, has been named chief operating officer.

“Certainly he comes with some baggage that we have to be very sensitive about at this moment in our state’s history, but personally I want to work with everyone right now to make sure we get through the very serious problems we’re facing,” said Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont. “I can only hope the governor has fully vetted his association and knows full well that they won’t in any way, shape or form interfere.”

Lavin served as Blagojevich’s director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity after Rezko recommended Lavin for the post. Lavin once worked as the chief financial officer for Rezko’s food-related business and took more than $12,000 in donations from Rezko’s firm while toying with a run for elected office in 2001…

Lavin worked with Quinn after Quinn won the state treasurer’s position in 1990. His new duties include overseeing the distribution of federal stimulus dollars.

Lavin did not respond to requests for comment late Wednesday. In an interview shortly before becoming governor, Quinn hailed Lavin as a “man of integrity.”

Yeah, I believe Blagojevich said something similar about Roland Burris when he was appointed to the U.S. Senate. While you’re over at the Chicago Tribune be sure to check out their call for Burris to resign after he lied under oath multiple times. Doesn’t say much for the faith Illinois governors have in their appointments to be honest and good people, does it?

Quinn’s office had no comment on the matter.