Quinn, Rauner try to seize advantage from business group's non-endorsement
One of Illinois major business groups has taken a pass on picking a favored candidate for governor.
Winnetka Republican Bruce Rauner has worked to highlight his business background in his race against Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, but the political arm of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association decided not to back either candidate and voiced concerns about both.
The group, which lobbies in Springfield for Illinois' retail stores, praised Quinn for pushing for workers' compensation reforms and for the 2013 law that cuts public employees pension benefits.
"Conversely, concerns exist that the state will not continue to control spending and retailers disagree with proposals championed by the governor that significantly add to the cost of doing business, such as increasing the minimum wage," the group's announcement said.
The group praised Rauner for his interest in cutting government and improving the state's economic situation but said he doesn't have specific plans and said Rauner remains open to raising the minimum wage.
"At this time, it is unclear how Mr. Rauner would accomplish these goals," it said.
The vote not to endorse either candidate was unanimous.
Quinn sought to cast the non-endorsement as a victory.
"It's clear the wheels are falling off the Bruce Rauner train," Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said. "We're encouraged that the Illinois Retail Merchants Association recognizes Governor Quinn's work to improve the business climate over the past five years."
Rauner's camp dismissed the non-endorsement and tried to highlight that Rauner favors raising the state's minimum wage if coupled with a broad package of business reforms. Rauner has faced heat for previous public statements saying the minimum wage should be lowered.
"IRMA has endorsed Democratic candidates for governor in two of the last three elections and said they aren't supporting Bruce because of his support for raising the minimum wage," Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf.
Quinn and Rauner have done battle over the state's economic conditions and ways to move forward.
Rauner has won the backing of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business in recent weeks.
Quinn argues the state is in better shape than when he took over the job, and Rauner is telling voters he's better equipped to bring economic prosperity.