By Crystal Donaldson

BLOOMINGTON – Claire Ball, libertarian candidate for Illinois comptroller, favors experience over politics.

Ball believes someone with a financial background should have the comptroller’s position because they would understand how to manage the state’s finances.

“For Illinois in the 199 years almost 200 year history of the state we’ve never anyone with any kind of financial background actually overseeing the money,” Ball said. “As an accountant, that’s just…I’m flabbergasted.”

The accountant of 12 years said along with lack of experience, republicans’ and democrats’ finger pointing have played a part in Illinois’ money trouble.

She explained to WJBC’s Sam Wood why a libertarian accountant would be the ideal candidate.

“A libertarian comptroller… well when they’re an accountant the focus is always going to be, first and foremost, on the financial reporting and the actual finances of the state. Coupled with that, you’ve got a level of independence that you’re not going to get from the other parties because they’re the ones making the mess,” said Ball.

Ball says she decided to run for the position when she saw no other qualified candidates.

“You would’ve seen me use that bully pulpit against democrats and republicans equally because there’s plenty of blame to go around. From what I’ve seen so far and what they choose to speak out against, its always the opposing party.”

Crystal Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].