Illinois Gov. Rauner hires sister of political director

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - One of the first hires in Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration is the sister of a top aide.

The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises (http://bit.ly/16LNxr3 ) reports Emily Clamp has been hired to a $70,000-a-year position with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. She is the sister of Sarah Clamp, who is the governor's director of special projects and was political director for Rauner's campaign.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly says Emily Clamp's degree from Cornell University and experience "make her well-suited for the position."

Clamp's hiring in January came days after Rauner was sworn into office and imposed a state government hiring freeze.

Rauner criticized former Gov. Pat Quinn during the campaign for hiring practices while the Democrat was in office, including hiring people based on their political connections.

___

Information from: Herald & Review, http://www.herald-review.com