CHICAGO (AP) – The race for comptroller, usually a low-profile contest coinciding with Illinois’ gubernatorial campaigns, is in the spotlight during a presidential year with a big money special election offering Democrats an unusual chance to oust Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s hand-picked candidate.

The office that controls Illinois’ checkbook is open mid-term because incumbent Leslie Munger’s appointment is expiring.

Rauner named her after Republican Judy Baar Topinka died after her 2014 re-election and Democrats in charge pushed a law requiring a 2016 special election.

Munger is vying to keep the job against Democrat Susana Mendoza, Chicago’s city clerk aligned with the influential speaker of the Illinois House, and Green Party and Libertarian candidates.

The Nov. 8 winner will finish out the last half of the term.