SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Two Illinois lawmakers said Thursday they will seek legislative approval of gay marriage when the General Assembly reconvenes in three weeks, answering Gov. Pat Quinn's hope that he could sign same-sex marital rights into law as early as January.

Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Heather Steans, both Chicago Democrats, declined to say the status of roll-call votes in each chamber during a conference call with reporters. But Steans said "we're in striking distance of being able to get it done."

Harris and Steans, who both played major roles in bringing civil unions for domestic partners to Illinois just 18 months ago, said support for gay marriage has been rapidly gaining speed. President Barack Obama spoke in favor of it earlier this year. Voters in four states either endorsed gay marriage or repudiated bans on it in the November election.