CHICAGO � Outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn has called state lawmakers back to Springfield next month to consider a 2016 special election to replace the late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka � a move he described Thursday as a �democratic right� but that Republicans attributed to partisan motives.

The legislative special session will be Jan. 8 � days before Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner becomes Illinois� first GOP governor in more than a decade and would have the power to name a four-year replacement. Topinka, a Republican, had won a second term in November but died last week.

If the Democratic-controlled legislature approves the special election, it could cut Rauner�s anticipated appointment to just two years. A special election in 2016 with a strong Democratic presidential candidate at the top of the ticket would benefit down-ballot candidates for the party.

Quinn, who is expected to name a temporary successor to Topinka but didn�t on Thursday, said it was important to ultimately give voters a chance to decide.

�Nobody but Judy Baar Topinka was elected to do this job. That�s why it�s so important that voters have the soonest possible opportunity to elect their comptroller. Holding a special election is the right thing to do,� Quinn said in a written statement. �Members of the legislature should set up a special election for 2016 so that voters can exercise their democratic right to decide who will serve as their comptroller.�

Quinn had indicated he would look to the Illinois Constitution, constitutional debates and court cases. His move follows guidance this week from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a Democrat.

In a legal analysis, she said Quinn can appoint someone to serve until Jan. 12, when Rauner takes office. After that, Rauner could name a four-year replacement. However, Madigan also urged a 2016 election, saying it was �undemocratic� for an appointee to fully take over an elected office.

Republicans criticized Quinn�s decision, saying the only �constitutionally responsible� choice is for Rauner to name a successor whose term lasts until 2018.

�A partisan and constitutionally dubious eleventh-hour law would face a certain legal challenge and force the people of Illinois to endure a protracted legal battle that no one wants,� read a statement from Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.

Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf has said the incoming governor intends to appoint a full-term comptroller when he�s sworn in. He questioned the motives of the special session.

�Any major change like this should apply to all future vacancies and be carefully and thoughtfully discussed � not rushed through in a last-minute special session that would look overtly political,� Schrimpf said Thursday.

Topinka would have been the only other Republican constitutional officer to serve with Rauner and his lieutenant governor-elect.

�Gov. Quinn is doing what he can do within the short period of time that he has left,� said Kent Redfield, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield. �The politics definitely favor the Democrats � I don�t think there�s any question about that.�

While they�re already in Springfield, legislative leaders could try to take up other issues.

Quinn has been pushing an increase in the state�s minimum wage for more than a year, but lawmakers adjourned earlier this month with only the Senate�s approval on an increase from $8.25 an hour to $11 over time.

Senate President John Cullerton supported the idea of a 2016 contest and previously left the door open to another legislative session before adjourning. His spokeswoman, Rikeesha Phelon, said Thursday that people should have �the opportunity to elect a comptroller of their choosing.�

House Speaker Michael Madigan�s spokesman, Steve Brown, reiterated Thursday what he�s previously said � that the appointment issue is up to Quinn and Rauner to work out.

Topinka died after suffering complications from a stroke. She was honored Wednesday at a memorial service in suburban Chicago.