Rauner, Quinn campaign at Chicago churches
CHICAGO - Illinois' gubernatorial candidates used the last Sunday before Election Day making final pitches to cast early ballots at Chicago churches and in cities statewide, with Gov. Pat Quinn continuing his push to raise the minimum wage and Republican Bruce Rauner appearing with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, started his first of seven Chicago church visits, at a black megachurch where he noted his support of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama to congregants. Both have made several appearances in Illinois for Quinn, including on Saturday when the first lady attended a Quinn rally in Moline.
Quinn hit on one of his major campaign themes: raising the state's $8.25 minimum wage to at least $10 an hour. He mixed in biblical verses and stories about Martin Luther King Jr.'s time in Chicago in his address to congregants.
"This is a fundamental principle of social justice," Quinn told reporters afterward.
Sunday marked the final day of early voting in Illinois and both candidates stressed it as a way to get base supporters to cast ballots in the run up to Election Day. The Tuesday matchup between Quinn, who's seeking a second full term, and Rauner, a venture capitalist seeking public office for the first time, is one of the most competitive governor's races in the nation.
Rauner also was scheduled to visit a South Side Chicago church on Sunday before heading to East Alton, Peoria and Hickory Hills.
Christie, who is head of the Republican Governors Association, was expected to join Rauner in East Alton. Christie has been to Illinois several times for Rauner and other Republicans.
Rauner has campaigned on a promise to clean up Springfield and has said his background as a businessman will help him boost the state's economic climate.
"We're going to make big change. We're not just going to nibble around the edges," Rauner told supporters in Quincy on Saturday, according to WGEM. "We're not just going to veto a couple bills. We are going to rip up the patronage, corruption, cronyism system in Springfield."
Both candidates have planned statewide tours on Monday, with Rauner slated to appear with former Illinois GOP Gov. Jim Edgar. Quinn told reporters his tour would include stops in Chicago, Peoria, Rockford and Marion.