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Top Illinois Republicans are no-shows in Cleveland

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The quadrennial celebration of the Grand Old Party in Cleveland this week will be missing some key members from Illinois.

Top Republicans from the Land of Lincoln are taking a pass on the Republican National Convention where delegates are expected to nominate contentious real estate developer Donald Trump.

Only U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has said it's because he disagrees with Trump's rhetoric. He's in a tough re-election campaign with Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has criticized Trump but says he's not attending because he's busy meeting with constituents. Comptroller Leslie Munger - who also has a tough fall opponent - says she's focused on the state's fiscal crisis.

U.S. Rep. Robert Dold has an election fight and won't attend. Nor will Regional Transportation Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard.

FILE - In this June 21, 2016 file photo, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner participates in the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Annual Small Business Awards in Springfield, Ill. Many of Illinois' top Republican officials plan to sit out the GOP national convention in Cleveland, including Rauner. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) The Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2014 file photo, Illinois state Sen. Kirk Dillard speaks with reporters at the state Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Many of Illinois' top Republican officials plan to sit out the GOP national convention in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) The Associated Press
FILE - In this June 20, 2016 file photo, Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., listens to a reporter's question on Capitol Hill, in Washington. Many of Illinois' top Republican officials plan to sit out the GOP national convention in Cleveland, including Kirk.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The Associated Press
FILE-In this Thursday, July 14, 2016 file photo, Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger listens to a question during a news conference on the state budget in Chicago. Many of Illinois' top Republican officials plan to sit out the GOP national convention in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) The Associated Press
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