Republicans have settled on Bob Ward, the DMV commissioner and former House minority leader, as the next Republican state auditor, political sources say.

He would succeed Robert Jaekle, a former House GOP leader.

On the Democratic side, speculation is focused on Rep. John Geragosian of New Britain, but it was unclear Monday if a decision has been made.

Connecticut has an unusual auditor’s system. Two political appointees of legislative leaders, a Democrat and a Republican, oversee a staff of professional auditors.

Jaekle and former Sen. Kevin Johnston, a Democrat, each are retiring as soon as successors are named.

Former state Rep. Robert Heagney of Simsbury and David Cappiello, a former state senator who managed Linda McMahon’s campaign, each were vying for the GOP auditor’s post.

Cappiello recently took a job with a non-profit agency.  House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, has told Heagney the job will be going to Ward.

“It’s a done deal,” one Republican said.