Bruce Rauner has dropped a ton of money for his upcoming reelection bid in the 2018 mid-terms. The Republican governor of Illinois transferred $50 million to Citizens for Rauner, Inc – the campaign dedicated to reelecting him.
The cash infusion is not that surprising for people who have followed the first-term governor. Rauner had made a fortune as chairman of a private equity firm and has an estimated net worth around $1 billion. He spent millions on his first campaign for governor in 2014 where he successfully unseated former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.
The huge money bomb is to prepare for what will surely be a tough reelection in a deep blue state. Illinois hasn’t voted for a Republican for president since 1988 and it is Obama’s adopted home state. Also, Rauner’s poll numbers have suffered during his first term as he held firm against the Democratic legislature’s extravagant budget. The state went a record long time without a budget as his office fought with the Illinois capitol over spending measures.
The move may also be to scare off any possible challengers. Venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker is being viewed as a formidable Democratic opponent should he choose to enter the race. Many Illinois Democrats are hoping he will put his hat in the ring.
Despite being a wealthy man himself, Pritzker may be spooked by the $50 million drop by Rauner.
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