SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A Republican state legislator is mulling a primary challenge against Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton is circulating candidate petitions for the March primary. In a letter to supporters, she says she’s selected former state Rep. Rich Morthland as a lieutenant governor running mate.
She says there’s “little trust” between Illinoisans and government. She’s among the fiercest opponents of Rauner’s decision to sign a law providing state health insurance and Medicaid coverage for abortions.
Ives took office in 2013 and was formerly a member of the Wheaton City Council. She’s a West Point graduate and former Army officer.
Challenging the first-term governor will be an uphill battle. The wealthy businessman has over $60 million in a campaign fund.
Gubernatorial candidates need at least 5,000 signatures by early December.
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