Dave Dahl --Illinois Radio Network

The comptroller handles the state's checkbook, but the Illinois Democrats who want that job say it's part of the fight for what kind of society we should have, and the ongoing story of income inequality.

The governor appointed Republican Leslie Munger after the passing of Judy Baar Topinka last December – a month after Topinka's re-election and a month before she was to be sworn in. The solution the legislature reached was for the appointment to last only until after the 2016 election.

On stage on Democrat Day at the state fair, Mendoza said, “Powerful, well-funded interest groups are trying to stoke anger and fear to gain political power: power they wish to use for further enrichment of the wealthiest at the expense of the rest of us.”

“I had a conversation with the governor,” Biss said. “I said, 'It seems you are trying to get involved in a race to the bottom to push wages down,' and he said, 'Daniel, we don't have any choice.'”

Both also slammed Munger's characterization of herself as Rauner's “wingman.”

Munger is running to keep her job.

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