Illinois voters explain their vote choices
Here's a sampling voter voices from around Illinois why on why they cast their ballots for a particular candidate:
---
"Illinois is miserably failing as a state. It's almost an embarrassment to claim to be an Illinoisan. ... That sounds kind of pessimistic, but the people of Illinois need to wake up and realize that Democrats have failed this state for years." Ed Oates, 61, U.S. Army veteran and retired mail carrier from Granite City.
"The man campaigned but he didn't say what he was going to do, just that he was going to shake things up. That can go either way, up or down. ... He's just going to jump in, be our governor? You don't just pop to the top. He wanted to buy himself into politics and I don't appreciate that at all." Alexis Garrett, a 44-year-old Chicago security guard and Quinn supporter, explaining her view of Rauner.
"He just doesn't relate to the minority citizens. He's wealthy and his issues don't hit our issues." Chicago truck driver Charles Hall, 44, on Rauner.
"I support Rauner on his position of the importance of business growth. You cannot increase jobs unless you have functioning thriving businesses. There is no better social service program than a job. ... People are leaving the state because jobs are leaving the state." Chris Cleveland, 52-year-old software company owner in Chicago.
"We have a home in Indiana and we are very, very seriously considering leaving (Illinois). Indiana has a vastly healthier state economy, without a pension crisis. Right now our kids are happy here in school but it's always an option. Every couple of months my husband says, 'I want to get out of here.'" Kate Howell, 48, stay-at-home mom from Hinsdale who voted for Rauner.
"Quinn's economy is pointing up. ... All we hear about is shootings and murders but this is a really great state. Quinn is looking out for the common good." Jerry Lathrow, 63, trial attorney from Chicago.
"Honestly, it's the 'devil you know' kind of thing." Amber Francis, a 26-year-old mental health worker and mother of two from Springfield, explaining her vote for Quinn.