Gov. Pat Quinn has called for a special session of the Illinois Legislature to approve a special election to choose a new Illinois comptroller following the death of Judy Baar Topinka.
Quinn is said to be looking for someone who will "carry out Topinka’s role as a watchdog." He is expected to appoint someone to step in temporarily, but also wants voters to have the option to choose a successor to the comptroller in the 2016 statewide elections.
Topinka died in early December after having a stroke. She won a second term as comptroller during last month's general election.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Monday issued a ruling about Topinka’s successor. The governor’s staff notes that while Madigan sees two appointments – one for Quinn and one for Gov.-Elect Bruce Rauner – other legal experts believe that Quinn’s appointment will keep the comptroller job until there’s an election held.
Last week, Rauner said he wanted Quinn to appoint Topinka’s Chief of Staff Nancy Kimme.
The late comptroller was remembered at a memorial service Wednesday as a tough, honest leader with a signature sense of humor.
Crowds filled the Operating Engineers' Local 150 headquarters in Countryside to pay respects. Individuals included the state's top leaders, lawmakers, local leaders and Illinoisans who knew her for more than 70 years.
