Sunday reception, Capitol dinner precede Monday inauguration

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Supporters of Bruce Rauner are gathering in Springfield at a private reception as the first Republican to run Illinois in more than a decade prepares to take office.

Hundreds of people attended a Sunday evening cocktail reception at a hotel ballroom ahead of a $1,000-a-plate dinner at the Capitol. About 800 people were expected at the dinner.

Top Illinois Republicans including U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, Congressman Peter Roskam and former GOP chair Jack Dorgan attended, as well as Rauner's top donors.

The event followed a stop by Rauner and his wife at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Rauner's team also hosted an exposition at a downtown convention center to showcase Illinois businesses, tourist attractions and universities.

Rauner and other officeholders will be sworn in Monday.