GOP Attacks Quinn On Transportation Chief’s Ouster

Republicans are criticizing Gov. Pat Quinn over hiring troubles at his Transportation Department, where the Democrat replaced the agency's leader.

Quinn's GOP election challenger, Bruce Rauner, says that the governor "commands a culture of patronage, corruption and cronyism.''
 
Quinn's office announced Monday that Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider will step down next week to be replaced by Veterans Affairs Director Erica Borggren.
 
There was no word on why Schneider is leaving. But news reports and a federal lawsuit have questioned agency hiring which put politically connected people into jobs that should be been protected from political considerations.
 
Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove is the ranking Republican on a House transportation committee. He says the hiring scandal tarnishes Quinn's image as a reformer and Schneider's ouster was inevitable.

UPDATE: Gov. Pat Quinn says Schneider resigned voluntarily.
 
He told reporters in suburban Chicago Tuesday morning that he accepted Ann Schneider's resignation and he's appointed someone new who will carry out the "responsibilities of the job with excellence.''

Quinn would not discuss in detail the circumstances of Schneider leaving.
 
Schneider's departure comes after a federal complaint raised questions about patronage hiring in the Department of Transportation.