SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Green Party on Monday slammed Gov. Rod Blagojevich's recent appointment of a campaign donor to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Party leaders questioned the decision to name Illinois State University trustee Jay Bergman to the state oversight board, citing his oil company's pollution record and his more than $40,000 in campaign contributions to the governor since 2002.

Jason Wallace of Normal, a Green Party candidate for the 11th Congressional District, said the governor's decision to name the Joliet businessman to the unpaid position was "self-serving and not in the best interest of the citizens of Illinois."

Geoff Ower, who represents McLean County on the Illinois Green Party's coordinating committee, said Bergman shouldn't be rewarded with a position on the board of higher education because of his oil company's pollution record.

The company, Petco Petroleum Corp. of Hinsdale, has been cited by state regulators in connection with oil spills at wells in southeastern Illinois.

Attempts to reach Bergman at his company's office were not successful Monday. The governor's office also did not respond to requests for comment.

Bergman's appointment to the 16-member board is contingent on approval by the Illinois Senate. No date has been set for the Senate to take up the appointment.