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Quinn Appoints Former Legislator to Board
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed another former Democratic legislator to a high-paying board.

Former Rep. Michael Smith of Canton was tapped for a $94,000 post on the Educational Labor Relations Board.

Smith lost election to a ninth term in November. He was chairman of the House's Elementary and Secondary Education Committee and the education appropriations panel.

Smith told The Associated Press he believes he has the background necessary and still believes he can contribute to public service.

He voted for the income tax increase proposed by Quinn in January but said he always supported a tax increase and that the appointment is not payback for anything he did for the governor.

Critics have accused Quinn of basing board appointments on politics. His office did not immediately respond with comment.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
06 06 11 by Newsroom
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