Illinois House speaker says he backs 2016 special election

Posted on January 8, 2015

Illinois House Speaker Michaael Madigan has previously said the appointment of a new comptroller was an executive issue, but he now supports a special election. (Photo courtesy YouTube)

By The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD – Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says he will support a proposal to establish a 2016 special election to replace late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.  

Lawmakers will convene Thursday in a special session to address the idea. The session was called by Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, who says he wants voters to help decide who replaces Topinka.  

The Republican died in December after winning re-election to a four-year term. GOP Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner intends to name Lincolnshire businesswoman Leslie Munger as a four-year replacement for Topinka after he is sworn into office Monday.  

Democratic Senate President John Cullerton backs legislation to create the special election. Madigan originally said the matter was for the executive branch to decide.  

GOP lawmakers say the election idea is a purely political move.  
 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…