CHICAGO (AP) -- Citing discontent with the governor and gridlock in Springfield, grassroots groups and frustrated politicians are asking voters to use their right to change the state constitution.

Every two decades Illinois voters get the chance to decide whether to hold a convention to overhaul the constitution. The 20-year deadline comes up again November 4th.

Prominent lawyers, including some who served at the last convention 40 years ago, say the constitution is fine as is, and a convention would simply open it up to too many changes without solving the state's problems.

But Lieutenant Governnor Pat Quinn is among those who say that without a convention, politicians in Springfield are unlikely to address ethics reform, underfunded schools and a troubled pension system, among other issues.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)