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* Back in the day, outgoing Senate President Phil Rock got his chief of staff elected to the vacant Auditor General post. This time around, Speaker Madigan wants that plum for one of his guys…
A top lieutenant of House Speaker Michael Madigan has launched a bid to become the state’s next auditor general.
State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, resigned his post on the Legislative Audit Commission last week as a precursor to applying for the $152,000 per year post.
Mautino, who serves as deputy majority leader under the powerful house speaker, has begun spreading the word among some lawmakers that he wants the job after serving on the commission for 18 years, including 12 years as co-chairman. […]
“I think he’d be a very good auditor general. He’s served for years on the audit commission. And through that service on the audit commission he’s acquitted himself with what the office does,” Madigan said.
He’ll need a three-fifths super majority in both chambers. Considering that Mautino barely won last year and the governor wants to target his district next year, the Republicans will probably be more than happy to comply.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:21 am
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Makes sense all the way around, including a person who will serve the state in the same manner as Bill Holland.
The GOP would be foolish not to oblige. One more seat in 16 months in play.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:25 am
Hate to lose him in the House but he will be an admirable Auditor General. All around great guy and dedicated public servant.
Comment by Nobody Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:29 am
Republicans may be happy to comply, but will their own minds and hearts guide their actions or will it be their sycophancy to the governor?
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:30 am
What’s another 20 present votes amongst friends?!
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:32 am
I’d comply for the simple reason that he’s well qualified and I believe he’d do a great job there.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:32 am
In a state where it’s routine for agency directors and their deputies to ignore laws, rules, processes, and controls, I hope our new auditor general is prepared to step up.
Comment by Qui Tam Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:33 am
There can be no better choice.
Comment by Quiet Sage Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:34 am
Well qualified though he may be, you don’t suppose his razor thin victory margin of 300 votes in 2014 over Jerry Long had anything to do with it, do you? Naw, didn’t think so….
Comment by DuPage Don Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:36 am
Lou lang with be the sponsor of the resolution as it takes the best comptetition for the best guy to be the next speaker out of his way.
Good for Frank, bad for Illinois.
Comment by Dozer Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:48 am
Good call. Good guy. Hopefully the GOP will support this.
Comment by phocion Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:49 am
“Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:36 am:”
Come on Man
Here is a guy fighting cancer who steps up all the time. This guys work is beyond reproach.
I like him.
I am a true independant and don’t like many politicians but this guy struck a cord with me when I read about him in Capitol Fax.
I have the utmost respect for him and am sure that he is a good guy and a great choice.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:50 am
@DuPage Don
I imagine given his current health problems that the long term access to health insurance was a much bigger factor.
Comment by ILPundit Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:54 am
Shame to see another moderate leaving the GA. They are becoming an endangered species in the Capitol these days.
Comment by Thunder Fred Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:56 am
-Anonymous- I happen to like Frank as well. Just sayin’…
Comment by DuPage Don Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:58 am
Dozer - that is very succinct and correct analysis.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 10:59 am
Good choice.
Comment by Keyser Soze Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 11:09 am
I doubt Frank is/was worried about the next election. Last cycle was a fluke and in a presidential year, he’d be re-elected in a walk.
I would guess his current health scare has something to do with it, but not because he needs long-term access to health insurance - he already has that in multiple ways if he wants it. But the health issue has no doubt made him think about the future.
If Lou is the next Speaker, I’ll eat my hat. I’m betting on a young buck from the southwest side.
To paraphrase someone else, great for Frank, but a tremendous loss to the GA. Just glad I’ll still be able to see my friend in Springfield.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 11:21 am
#pensionbump
Comment by Cornbelter Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 11:27 am
I like Frank and have worked with him on legislation. He’s a class act and a great legislator. That said, he’s way too much a part of the political system for this job. I prefer my watchdogs to be a lot more ferocious than Frank. Sorry.
Comment by Anon1145 Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 11:47 am
@Joe Bidenopolous: Put away your partisan blinders. Mautino may/may not get re-elected, but it certainly will not be in a “walk.”
Very decent guy. It will be interesting to see if other names are advanced.
Comment by LincolnLounger Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 11:54 am
Despite this being a legislative appointment, what will the Governor and the politicians he controls do?
Comment by Nick Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 12:22 pm
Excellent choice!
Comment by Anon LAC attendee Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 5:21 pm
I believe Mautino’s LAC experience would serve him well and he would step up and be a good auditor general. That being said, most other states auditor generals are CPAs or CIAs (certified internal auditor) at a minimum. Having those minimum certifications adds to the credibility of the Office and enables the auditor general to be able to communicate with external auditors about the complex governmental audit standards in place today. Holland was not a CPA and was a good auditor general, but why not appoint a professional instead of a politician?
Comment by Soccertease Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 8:58 pm
Soccertease, being a professional CPA doesn’t necessarily translate into being a good Auditor General. It’s about being able to effectively administer the office and working with the LAC and other members of the General Assembly. There are plenty of CPAs on staff. Also, a lot of State auditors are elected politicians and not necessarily CPAs. It seems to me that both within Illinois and nationally the credibility of the Auditor General has not been affected one bit and I don’t think having Mautino will change that at all.
Comment by MyTwoCents Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 11:53 pm
I don’t think this has much to do with his cancer or the last election. If you look at what he has done in the House over the years, this is a pretty logical move. More so when you consider his age and the term of the position. In addition , he’s a dem who the Republicans generally trust. It’s a good fit all around.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 12:25 am
Two Cents, I agree to a certain point. In fact, many CPAs/CIAs would not make good attorney generals. I’m just saying that there are good experienced legislative/manager types that are also CPAs/CIAs. The professional designation(s) would help them be more effective when it comes to technical matters.
Comment by Soccertease Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 9:29 am