County Auditor Blackburn Quits State Comptroller Race

Will County Auditor Duffy Blackburn announced Wednesday that he is pulling the plug on plans to run for Illinois state comptroller and throwing his support behind Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon.

Here is what Blackburn, a Joliet resident, posted on his Facebook page today:

"This morning at the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association Breakfast in Springfield, I announced that I am suspending my campaign and endorsing Sheila Simon for Illinois State Comptroller.

"At a time when Illinois is nearly $6 billion behind in paying its bills and facing unprecedented challenges, we need a State Comptroller that will find real solutions to move our state forward. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon and I share the same goals of increasing accountability and transparency in the State Comptroller’s office. Sheila provides the best opportunity to reach those goals by winning next November and I wholeheartedly endorse her.

"I am so grateful to all of you that have welcomed me into your communities and deeply appreciate your support. I look forward to joining you on the trail over the next year as we support Sheila and the other great Democrats from the top to the bottom of the ticket."