Illinois lawmakers to meet in special session

Posted on December 18, 2014

Quinn will ask lawmakers to hold a special election for comptroller. (Facebook)

By The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn is calling Illinois lawmakers back to Springfield
to consider a 2016 special election to replace late Comptroller Judy Baar
Topinka.

In a Thursday statement, Quinn says the special session will be Jan. 8.  
 
He says that will give voters a chance to weigh in. He didn't immediately name
an interim successor. Topinka died last week. She had won a second term in
November.
 
There have been conflicting ideas about her replacement.
 
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Quinn can appoint someone until
Jan. 12, when Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner takes office. After that, Rauner has the
authority to name a full four-year replacement. However, Madigan also urged
lawmakers to consider a special election in 2016 so voters could have a say.
That requires lawmakers to approve legislation.

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