SPRINGFIELD - Noting the statewide construction plan completed under Gov. Pat Quinn, U.S. Rep. Phil Hare endorsed the governor Monday for a full term in office.

Hare picked Quinn over fellow Democratic candidate Dan Hynes during a swing that included stops in Moline, Galesburg and Springfield.

Hare complimented Quinn for getting a plan to build schools and roads approved after former Gov. Rod Blagojevich failed at the same task for several years.

"Gov. Quinn took over and was handed nothing short of a mess," Hare said, referring to Quinn's succession to office after Blagojevich was removed from office in January.

Quinn is running against Hynes, the state comptroller, in a primary campaign that's already seen the two trade jabs. Last week, Hynes criticized Quinn for his rallies to save college scholarships, saying they were merely public relations events.

Quinn has gone after Hynes, saying he didn't do enough as the state's budget situation declined.

"When you have a primary, politics ain't bing-bang," Quinn said. "When somebody attacks me, I'm going to defend myself."

The primary election is in February.

Hare represents the 17th Congressional District, which stretches to the Quad Cities area through western and central Illinois, and includes Decatur.