Topinka is best comptroller choice for Republicans

GOP candidates for the comptroller's office are focusing on fiscal discipline.

Former three-term state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka was the last Republican to hold statewide office, and we'd like to see her back. Besides her treasurer experience, she was a state senator for 10 years and a representative for four. She also ran for governor in 2006, defeated by Rod Blagojevich.

We believe she will use the comptroller's office to spread the doctrine of fiscal restraint and accountability. Though away from office for several years, she has remained active in politics.

She proposes to ease contract bidding for people who want to do business with the state - a process she likens to a "swamp." Better scrutiny of contracts also is among her goals.

While she advocates combining the comptroller's office with the treasurer's, we'd like to see more specifics on potential cost savings.

Her chief opponent, Orland Park Trustee Jim Dodge, touts a clean record of public service but is somewhat limited in that service. Also on the ballot is cable TV host William Kelly.