Quinn Replaces Illinois' Secretary of Transportation

Gov. Pat Quinn has replaced the head of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Quinn's office announced Monday that Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Borggren has been appointed to the post held by Ann Schneider since 2011.

Quinn called Borggren a "proven leader," but made no mention of why Schneider was departing from the agency that's facing numerous problems. His office later confirmed her resignation is effective next week.

The state Senate must confirm the appointment.

The transportation agency's hiring practices have come under scrutiny this year. Anti-patronage campaigner Michael Shakman of Chicago wants a federal judge to order an investigation into those activities.

The issue arose as Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, faces a difficult re-election bid against Winnetka Republican Bruce Rauner.

Republicans are criticizing Quinn over hiring troubles at his Transportation Department, and Rauner says the governor "commands a culture of patronage, corruption and cronyism."

Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove, the ranking Republican on a House transportation committee, says the hiring scandal tarnishes Quinn's image as a reformer and Schneider's ouster was inevitable.