"I'm honored to receive this award named for an individual who personified all that was good about politics and government in Illinois," Hynes said. "To Simon, government was about doing good works for the people. He was dedicated to making the world a better place to live. And, when the going got tough, he stood firm in his principles. He serves as an important role model for those of us who have been entrusted by the people to represent them."

The award was presented to Hynes during an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of ICPR's founding by Simon. Also receiving the award this year was veteran broadcast and print journalist Peggy Boyer Long, who currently serves as executive editor of Illinois Issues magazine.

Hynes said politicians need to take steps to renew the public's confidence in their government by curbing the appearance of corrupting influences, making government more open to the public and by taking responsibility for their actions.

The Comptroller renewed his call for passage of an initiative that would end the appearance of pay-to-play politics in state government. HB1 was approved overwhelmingly in the House, and despite sponsorship of 46 of the 59 senators, has not been called for a vote in the Senate. Hynes recently unveiled a web site called Open Book that allows citizens to track the political contributions of those with state contracts.

ICPR recognized Hynes for his leadership in the effort to enact legislation to limit opportunities for pay-to-play in state contracting, to reform state laws regulating lobbyists and to create a public financing system for elections to the state's highest courts. In addition, Hynes issued an executive order prohibiting contractors with his office from contributing to his campaign fund.

"Because he knows how important it is that the public be able to trust its elected leaders and because he understands that the appearance of impropriety is very damaging to our political system, Comptroller Hynes has been willing to go the extra mile for reforms of Illinois election campaigns and the operation of state government," said Cynthia Canary, Director of ICPR. "We are pleased to be able to recognize his commitment to the cause."

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform is a non-partisan public interest group that conducts research and advocates reforms to promote public participation in government, address the role of money in politics and encourage integrity, accountability and transparency in government.!!