Politics

The Illinois Governor's Race: The Money Game

The 2018 race for Illinois governor could be the most expensive in U.S. history. With nine months until election day, the five leading candidates have raised more than $136 million, already exceeding any other contest before in Illinois. Democrat J.B. Pritzker has spent over $34 million of his $49 million campaign chest in an attempt to win the Democratic nomination. And a once sleepy Republican race has seen shifting alliances in recent weeks, after billionaire Dick Uihlein gave $2.5 million to Gov. Bruce Rauner's challenger, Illinois House Rep. Jeanne Ives, who opposes abortion and rights for gay and transgender people.To track this money circus, ProPublica Illinois has created a graphic that will update with the latest fundraising information.

Senators Durbin And Duckworth Endorse Pritzker For Governor

Northern Public Radio | By Brian Mackey

Published December 8, 2017 at 6:01 PM CST

jb-pritzker.com

Illinois’ two Democratic U.S. senators are taking sides in the primary for governor.

Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth are both endorsing businessman J.B. Pritzker.

It’s the latest example of Illinois' Democratic establishment lining up behind Pritzker. He's already gotten nods from a variety of different politicians, party organizations, and labor unions.

Another gubernatorial candidate, state Sen. Daniel Biss, says while he admires the senators, Democrats need to decide whether they want to be the "billionaire party," a reference to Pritzker’s wealth.

Meanwhile, it’s a different story on the Republican side. Four congressmen have declined to endorse incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner. He’s being challenged from the right by state Rep. Jeanne Ives.