The Latest: Democrats blame Rauner for Chicago's problems

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on Democrats' Day at the Illinois State Fair (all times local):

10:15 a.m.

Chicago Democrats are responding to accusations from Gov. Bruce Rauner that they are responsible for the city's violence and crumbling schools.

Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza said Thursday morning at the start of Democrats' Day at the Illinois State Fair that Rauner is cutting services that are necessary to improve schools and reduce violence. She says he's the one who determines funding for mental health services and schools.

Rauner made his comments during Governor's Day at the state fair Wednesday, when Illinois Republicans had a rally and breakfast. He took issue with the Democratic "machine" in Chicago and said Republicans would outspend Democrats this election cycle.

Mendoza has been Chicago's clerk since 2011. Before that she was a member of the Illinois House for a decade.

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5:25 a.m.

Illinois Democrats will take their turn at the Illinois State Fair with a political rally.

The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association will kick off Thursday's Democrats' Day with a brunch at a Springfield hotel. The rally on the director's lawn of the state fairgrounds begins around noon.

Steve Brown is spokesman for the Illinois Democratic Party. He says voters will see "a unified party with a lot of enthusiasm" for its candidates. They include U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, and Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who is vying for state comptroller against Republican Leslie Munger. Munger was appointed to her post in 2014 by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

At Wednesday's Governor's Day, Republicans focused on state races and unseating powerful Democrats in the Legislature.