Quinn accuses Chicago mayor of smearing nominee

Gov. Pat Quinn is accusing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel of character assassination for questioning the qualifications of the governor’s pick to lead the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority board.

Emanuel has suggested the board, which operates U.S. Cellular Field, should start over in its search for a new executive director. Quinn wants his chief spokeswoman, Kelly Kraft, to get the job despite questions about her expertise and reports she filed for personal bankruptcy in 2009.

Quinn on Monday called Kraft “a very good person.”

Emanuel says he has nothing personally against Kraft, but wants someone with the financial management skills needed to protect Chicago taxpayers. He said they are on the hook for bonds the agency issued to build the home of the White Sox and renovate Soldier Field.