Gov. Pat Quinn called a special legislative session for Jan. 8, 2015, to create a special election in 2016 for Illinois Comptroller. Incumbent Judy Baar Topinka died last week after winning re-election in November.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has ruled that Quinn can appoint a replacement for the remainder of the Comptroller's term that ends Jan. 12, and Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner can then appoint someone to fill the position for a full four-year term. But in her ruling, Madigan recommended that it would be more democratic to hold a special election in 2016. In his proclamation today calling for a special session, Quinn seconded that recommendation:
“Nobody but Judy Baar Topinka was elected to do this job. That's why it's so important that voters have the soonest possible opportunity to elect their Comptroller. Holding a special election is the right thing to do." --- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn
House Republican leader Jim Durkin says Democrats are trying to make a power grab.
"You know I think the Democrats like their chances. They look at 2016, where you could possibly have a Hillary Clinton on the ballot --- very popular in Illinois. And they're going to want to take the seat."
Durkin and Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner say the plan may be unconstitutional. Democratic Senate President, John Cullerton, backs the idea, but House Speaker Michael Madigan says it's up to Quinn and Rauner to work it out.
A special election would require legislative action. If approved, it would take place in the next statewide election on Nov. 8, 2016. The primary election is scheduled for March 15, 2016.
Editor's Note: Amanda Vinicky and Guy Stephens contributed to this report.
