Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn says that if he's made governor, he may opt to appoint President-elect Barack Obama's Senate replacement rather than wait for a special election.

Speaking on NBC's "Today" show Thursday, Quinn said that in general he's in favor of letting voters choose public officials. But he says that the economic crisis makes it vital for the state to have two senators in place.

Quinn says he'll evaluate the situation and make a decision based on what's best for the state.

Quinn says if Gov. Rod Blagojevich doesn't resign it won't be long before he's either impeached or Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan asks the state Supreme Court to declare him unable to serve.

Quinn says he hasn't spoken to the governor since the summer of 2007.