CHICAGO – The small state agency that runs the home of the Chicago White Sox will be led by Gov. Pat Quinn's chief spokeswoman over the objections of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, board members decided Thursday.

The board of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority cited "budget and communications expertise" in choosing Quinn's communications director, Kelly Kraft, who had the governor's backing. However, Emanuel had tried to block her appointment by publicly questioning her qualifications and experience. The governor later accused Emanuel and his allies of "character assassination."

The ISFA board has seven members; four are picked by the governor and three by the mayor. Board members voted 4-3 in favor of Kraft – the governor's appointees lining up for her – after meeting in closed session Thursday.