Comptroller hopefuls argue independence from Madigan, Rauner

CHICAGO (AP) - The candidates for Illinois comptroller are working to show their independence from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Republican Comptroller Leslie Munger and Democratic Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza met Thursday with the Chicago Tribune's editorial board.

Rauner appointed Munger to the job controlling Illinois' checkbook after then-Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka died.

Munger has described herself as his "budgetary wingman" and agrees with much of his pro-business agenda. But she says she's stood up to Rauner, including refusing his request to not pay unions "fair share" dues collected from state workers.

Mendoza says she ran against Madigan's establishment candidate in her first Illinois House bid.

But she voted for Madigan-backed budgets each year she served under him. Munger says those budgets led to Illinois' financial problems.