 Republicans called it a power grab, thievery and last-minute shenanigans, but
General Assembly Democrats on Thursday passed a measure changing how long-term
vacancies in statewide elected office are filled.
As a result, Governor-elect Bruce Rauner’s appointee may be looking at a
two-year term.
The legislation applies not only to the office of comptroller, but also to those
of treasurer, secretary of state and the attorney general.
Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign the bill before he leaves office on Monday,
when Rauner will be sworn in.
The combination of Rauner’s win – ending Democrats’ single-party rule in the
Statehouse – and the death of election-winning Republican incumbent Comptroller
Judy Baar Topinka brought the matter to a boil.
While Democrats conceded Rauner has the right to appoint his choice for
comptroller, they chafed at a full, four-year term for an appointee.
Democrats said voters, not parties or lawmakers, should decide who should serve
in statewide officers for a full term.
“I submit democratic institutions are never – never – weakened by increased
participation of the people they serve,” said state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo.
In both chambers, Republicans argued their opponents were ignoring voters’ calls
for divided governance and shared responsibility, which they say was shown by
the choice of a Republican governor.
“Pure and simple, at the 11th hour, bingo, you’re going to stick it to him,”
said Rep. Dwight Kay, R- Glen Carbon.
“I think this a shameful way to finish up a lame-duck session,” said House
Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs.
Rauner’s staff issued a statement saying he “believed the best outcome for
Illinoisans was for the Comptroller appointment to be for the full term to which
Judy Baar Topinka was elected.”
[to top of second column] |
 “The language is clear. We (legislators) have the authority,” she
said. “That’s what’s constitutional. We may do that. And I believe
we shall.”
Countered Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill: “You’re doing this because
you can.”
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, said Democrats
were attempting a “second bite of the partisan apple” after having
lost the comptroller’s race.
“Passage of this bill today, I think, is really sort of a naked
power play,” she said.
Senate President John Cullerton disagreed. The change applies not
only to the current vacancy, but any long-term vacancy.
“It’s not about a naked power play,” he said. “Who knows what’s
going to happen in 2016?”
Republicans said they expect the measure to be challenged in the
courts.
Short-term Quinn appointee Jerry Stermer is currently serving as
comptroller. Rauner has said he will appoint Leslie Munger,
R-Lincolnshire, to the office on Monday.
Measures to merge the comptroller’s and treasurer’s offices, at a
projected savings of $12 million to $13 million, got nowhere on
Thursday, although lawmakers in both parties and the governor-elect
say the support the idea.
[This
article courtesy of
Watchdog.]
Click here to respond to the editor about this
article.
 |
