Samuel K. Gove, co-editor of the recent University of Illinois Press book Illinois Politics: A Citizen’s Guide, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011.  The News- Gazette’s obituary ran on Saturday.

“Sam Gove may have had a greater influence on Illinois government than any governor or other elected leader of the last 50 years, his friends and colleagues said Friday.

Mr. Gove, who came to the University of Illinois in 1950, was director of the university’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs, started a ground-breaking legislative internship program, and continued his work on campus even this month, died Friday at the age of 87.

‘He was probably one of the most influential people behind the scenes in Illinois state government through the latter half of the 20th century,’ said former Gov. Jim Edgar, who credited Mr. Gove with giving him his start in Illinois government in 1968.”