Democrat Lawmaker Rips Quinn For 'Last-Minute Patronage'

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Another fellow Democrat is blasting Gov. Pat Quinn for helping a former aide get a job at the agency that runs U.S. Cellular Field weeks before Quinn finishes his term.

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority board on Monday hired former Quinn campaign manager Lou Bertuca (bur-TOO'-kuh) to lead the agency. Quinn's four board appointees voted yes, while Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's three appointees voted no.

State Sen. Julie Morrison of Deerfield says she'll introduce legislation in January to prevent future governors from making similar appointments within 60 days of leaving office.

Morrison says the $160,000-per-year job is one of the highest-paying in Illinois. She says "this kind of last-minute patronage" is embarrassing.

Emanuel also has criticized the appointment.

Board chairman Emil Jones Jr. calls Bertuca a "smart, effective leader."