SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn says lawmakers’ approval of a special election for comptroller is a “victory for democracy.”

The General Assembly concluded a one-day special session Thursday by sending the Governor legislation setting up the 2016 vote to replace the late Judy Baar Topinka.

Topinka was elected to second term as the state’s check-writer in November but died unexpectedly five weeks before taking the oath on Monday.

Quinn says the Topinka was “a woman of the people” who understood that government must be accountable to voters.

Quinn appointed a member of his staff as comptroller to serve until Monday. Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner has chosen a replacement to take over then.

Republicans complained the Democrats were stripping power from the incoming governor.

 

 

 

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