Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he hopes to convince lawmakers to agree to hold a special election in 2016 to replace late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.
Quinn appointed his budget director, Jerry Stermer, as interim comptroller after Topinka died last month. But Stermer's term ends when Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner takes office Jan. 12.
Rauner has said that whoever he appoints should remain in office the next four years. But Quinn hopes in his last full week of office the special session he called for Thursday will result in lawmakers approving the special election.
Quinn told reporters Sunday that he hopes lawmakers also will consider succession of statewide officeholders on a larger scale. Lawmakers have said there's little talk or plans to take up the issue.
