Rauner amasses over $20M to fight special interests
CHICAGO (AP) - Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner abruptly expanded his campaign war chest by more than $20 million, according to records filed with the state Wednesday, to support "reformers" and compete with "special interests" once he assumes leadership.
The venture capitalist, who will hold public office for the first time, and two wealthy supporters donated most of the hefty sum in the final days of 2014, a move that comes less than two weeks before his Jan. 12 inauguration. Rauner gave $10 million to his Citizens for Rauner fund. Fellow businessmen, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin contributed $8 million and businessman Richard Uihlein, the owner of shipping supply distributor Uline, contributed $2 million.
Rauner transition team spokesman Chip Englander said Rauner wants to change state government and improve Illinois for taxpayers.
"In order to do that, he recognizes that he has to amass the resources to support reformers and compete with the special interest protectors of the status quo in multiple forums over multiple years," he said in a statement. "This is just the beginning of that effort to save our state from bankruptcy."
Other donations included Republican Governors Association money.
Englander did not respond to questions about how the money would be specifically channeled, including if it would be used to boost GOP legislators' campaigns.
Rauner ousted Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn in November after a bruising campaign which shattered state campaign funding records. The businessman will be the state's first Republican governor in more than a decade.
Officials with the Democratic Governors Association didn't immediately return messages seeking comment.
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