SARA BURNETT Associated Press
March 15, 2014
STL
In this March 5, 2014 file photo, Illinois Republican primary gubernatorial candidates from left, State Sen. Bill Brady, State Sen. Kirk Dillard, venture capitalist Bruce Rauner, and state Treasurer Dan Rutherford, sit before a debate in Chicago. The four Republicans don’t completely agree on perhaps the biggest financial decision looming over Illinois residents’ pocketbooks _ whether to extend the state’s temporary income tax hike. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
CHICAGO • The Republican primary battle for Illinois governor is coming to a close after an unusual campaign featuring unprecedented involvement by labor unions, allegations of sexual harassment and a millionaire who sunk more money into his campaign than any candidate seeking a gubernatorial nomination in state history.
Wealthy businessman Bruce Rauner says he wants to “shake up” Springfield and has called Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels his role models. To win the GOP nomination, Rauner must top three longtime lawmakers — state Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard and Treasurer Dan Rutherford — who say they have the experience and expertise needed to run the state.
Party leaders consider the election critical to winning the governor’s mansion for the first time in more than a decade and regaining some control in a state government dominated by Democrats. They see Gov. Pat Quinn —who faces an underfunded, little-known challenger for the Democratic nomination — as particularly vulnerable because of the state’s deep financial troubles.
Rauner has been leading in the polls, with Dillard in second place but picking up support in recent weeks. Voters head to the polls Tuesday.
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