Former Gov. Pat Quinn worked right up until his successor was sworn into office last week.
Despite the flurry of activity, the Democrat failed to fulfill a constitutional requirement: a final state-of-the-state message to the Illinois General Assembly.
Since 1870, the Constitution has required departing executives to report "on the condition of the state and recommend such measures as he deems desirable."
Quinn is the third governor in a row to tail on delivery. His predecessor, Rod Blagojevich, hastened out upon impeachment. The Illinois State Library has no record of a message by Republican George Ryan before vacating in 2003.
Quinn did not respond to requests for comment this week. But he told The Associated Press before leaving office that he would produce one.
Quinn leaves office without penning final statement
