By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News
(CHICAGO) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on Monday announced that he is seeking re-election next year.
“This is about the people coming together in a mass movement, in a revolution, saying let’s restore good government in Illinois, let’s restore economic growth and more jobs and more opportunity,” Rauner told Big John and Ramblin’ Ray on WLS. “Let’s get a better education system so we have great schools in every community. This is a revolution and we’re going to lead it right now.”
Asked about challengers from within his own party, Rauner brushed aside any concerns.
“You know there are going to be spirited campaigns up and down all the time,” Rauner said. “That’s what democracy is, that’s what politics is about.”
After angering some conservatives by signing a bill that strengthens abortion laws in the state, there has been talk of finding someone to challenge Rauner in the Republican gubernatorial primary. One of those potential challengers is State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) who says Rauner has betrayed Republicans.
“He betrayed our party on this issue. He lied to state representatives,” Ives said “He lied to the Cardinal about what he was going to do with this bill. And you know, even if you’re pro-choice, the majority of the people in Illinois don’t want to pay for an abortion.”
With several wealthy Democrats also in the primary race, Illinois gubernatorial race could be the costliest in the nation.
Copyright 2017 WLS-AM News
