Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he plans to announce his 2010 running mate sometime this week.

Democratic party leaders spent the weekend interviewing candidates to run alongside Quinn for lieutenant governor this fall. The state central committee is set to vote on the candidates this Saturday. But Quinn says he plans to announce his “opinion” on the matter before then, and he seems confident the party won’t vote against his wishes.

QUINN: Well, I believe that the person I think is best will be the one that’s the running mate. Quinn says it’s crucial he and the lieutenant governor have a good working relationship. But the final decision will fall to the party which is headed by House Speaker Michael Madigan.

So what if two men disagree?

QUINN: I get along fine with Speaker Madigan on many, many subjects. Occasionally, we disagree. On this subject I don’t think they’ll be any disagreement.

Quinn wouldn’t confirm reports that he wants State Senator Susan Garrett to run for lieutenant governor. The spot became vacant when the former nominee dropped out of the race last month.