Rauner names general counsel, Washington director

Illinois Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner has named an attorney for Indiana's former governor and a former longtime aide to U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert to serve in his administration.

In a Thursday statement announcing the hires, Rauner says attorney Jason Barclay and Kathy Lydon bring "invaluable experience."

Barclay is a partner at Barnes and Thornburg in Indianapolis. He was legal counsel for former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. He will be Rauner's general counsel.

Lydon will be based in Washington D.C., as a director for the administration. Lydon was Biggert's aide for more than a decade.

Rauner's spokesman says salaries for the staff members aren't available.

Rauner ousted Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn last month. The Republican businessman from Winnetka takes office in January.