GOP gubernatorial hopeful raises about $915,000

Venture capitalist and Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Rauner raised more than $915,000 in the quarter ended June 30 for his effort to become Illinois’ next chief executive.

The amount brings to more than $2.2 million Rauner’s campaign has raised since he announced plans to make a run for the governor’s office.

In a statement Monday, Rauner’s campaign says its fundraising efforts sends a message to “career politicians, government union bosses and special interests” that Rauner is ready to “shake up Springfield and bring back Illinois.”

It’s the first bid for public office for Rauner, a wealthy businessman from Winnetka. Rauner said his “outsider” status will allow him to take on government union bosses he says are calling the shots in the state Capitol and contributing to Illinois’ disastrous financial situation.