Quinn reappoints Illinois Gaming Board chairman

Gov. Pat Quinn has reappointed Aaron Jaffe to serve as chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board.

In a statement Friday, Quinn says it’s critical to have strong oversight of gambling. He says Jaffe and vice chairman Michael Holewinski have done “a fine job” leading the watchdog agency.

Jaffe has been chairman since 2005. He has tangled with some lawmakers who say he’s tried to block gambling expansion.

During the most recent legislative session Jaffe opposed a measure to add five casinos in the state, saying it didn’t give the board enough regulatory authority. That led to heated exchanges, including one hearing where Jaffe called a state Sen. Terry Link “atrocious” and the senator returned the jab.

Quinn also announced Friday he’s appointing Holewinski to another term.

The Senate must approve the appointments.