The Illinois State Fair features plenty of fried treats and carnival rides, but fairgoers got a big dose of politics on Wednesday as Governor Bruce Rauner and his fellow Republicans celebrated Governor’s Day in Springfield. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern reports.
The Illinois State Fair features plenty of fried treats and carnival rides, but fairgoers got a big dose of politics on Wednesday as Governor Bruce Rauner and his fellow Republicans celebrated Governor’s Day in Springfield.
Governor Rauner, who made his traditional entrance on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, used the occasion to jab at his Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker, once again accusing him of trying to buy political office in a deal with disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich.
“Pritzker tried to buy political office from Blagojevich before he went to prison,” he said.
Rauner was joined by fellow Republicans in revving up the party’s base, including House Minority Leader Jim Durkin.
“Just think of what we can do with nine more seats in the House,” he said. “It’s bye bye (Democrats).”
Attorney General candidate Erika Harold, who is facing Democratic contender Kwame Raoul in the race to replace Lisa Madigan, also spoke.
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“I will show him how tough Miss America is!” she said.
Democrats will have their turn at the podium on Thursday for Democrat Day, but in the meantime, Rauner is actively courting voters on both sides of the aisle as he faces a tough re-election fight.
“We need Republicans, Independents, and reform-minded Democrats,” he said. “This election isn’t just about Republicans vs. Democrats.”
