State Sen. Bill Brady said he would oppose holding a special election for comptroller in 2016. (Photo courtesy Illionis Senate Republicans)
By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said Republicans who oppose a special election in 2016 to replace late comptroller Judy Baar Topinka face an uphill battle.
"Just the raw politics of it, given the fact (Democrats) have a majority and currently the governor, if I had to predict, I'd predict they would pass it," Brady said.
Brady told WJBC's Scott Laughlin, he understands why Democrats wouldn't want governor-elect Bruce Rauner to make a four-year appointment.
"Of course it makes partisan sense for the Democrats would want have another shot at the election since it's not a Republican who is going to be appointed<" Brady said.
Quinn appointed his budget director, Jerry Stermer, as interim comptroller after Topinka died last month. But Stermer's term ends when Gov.-elect 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.
Brady said he still supports the idea of the comptroller and treasurer's office being merged an idea that House Speaker Michael Madigan has prevented from being discussed in the House.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen's interview with Brady on WJBC.com.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
