News Local/State

Simon To Run For Illinois Comptroller

By The Associated Press, with addtional reporting from Illinois Public Radio
 

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is jumping into the 2014 race for Illinois comptroller.

After months of considering other statewide offices, she'll make it official Wednesday with stops in Chicago, Springfield and Carbondale. She tells The Associated Press the idea of teaching the public about the budget is appealing.

She could face Will County Auditor Duffy Blackburn in a Democratic primary.

In an appearance Wednesday morning in Chicago, Simon said she’d focus on something previous comptroller’s haven’t focused on - rooting out corruption in towns across the state.

"It’s Cicero. It’s Marion. And, of course, Dixon, where one employee stole $50 million," she said. "Where was the comptroller’s office? Their office said they didn’t review the information, they’re just a repository and that’s it."

Republican Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka is seeking re-election and has a fundraising advantage. She's a former state treasurer and gubernatorial candidate.

Simon announced in February that she wouldn't seek another term with Gov. Pat Quinn.

She also played up her legal background as a former prosecutor, prompting talk that she'd seek attorney general. However, Attorney General Lisa Madigan said this month that she's seeking re-election and isn't running for governor.

Simon wouldn’t say who she’s supporting in next year’s race for Illinois governor.