Quinn Halts IDOT Political Hiring

Gov. Pat Quinn has ordered a moratorium on political hiring at the Illinois Department of Transportation and is requiring executive-level staff in every state agency to undergo training about proper hiring practices.  

The Chicago Democrat's actions come amid questions about whether state jobs were improperly filled based on clout rather than qualifications.  

The Associated Press obtained copies of memos sent Thursday by Quinn's attorney to IDOT leadership and the heads of all agencies, boards and commissions.  

According to the memos, Quinn also is ordering an outside audit of all IDOT political hires to determine if the positions were properly filled.  

IDOT Director Ann Schneider resigned earlier this week. Her departure followed a news report that Schneider's stepdaughter might have been among those whose hiring sidestepped the rules.