Hundreds attend dinner at Capitol ahead of inauguration

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner says Illinois is on the verge of a "major transformation."

The Republican gave brief remarks and thanked attendees of a $1,000-a-plate dinner at the Capitol on Sunday night, the eve of his inauguration.

He says his administration will work hard to create an environment where businesses will flourish.

About 800 people attended the event, including both Democratic and Republican elected officials. Among the attendees were: former U.S. Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, several Illinois congressmen and state lawmakers, and Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago, who offered a blessing.

Tables for the dinner were set up outside the office that will be Rauner's after his swearing in on Monday.

The event followed a cocktail reception at a nearby hotel.