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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.

Constitution Party Candidate Announces 2018 Gubernatorial Run

A member of the Constitution Party announced his candidacy for the 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race.  

This comes as incumbent GOP Governor Bruce Rauner deposited $50 million into his campaign account and several Democrats consider whether they'll run against him.   

Randy Stufflebeam says the dysfunction in state government presents an opportunity for a third-party run. He says this is because Democrats and Republicans are engaging in "the betrayal of our constitutions."  

Specifically, he points to a provision in the Illinois Constitution commonly thought to require the governor and legislature to pass balanced budgets.

“It is not a suggestion. It’s not a wish list or anything. It is a mandate," he says.  

Stufflebeam ran for governor in 2006, coming in fourth behind then-Governor Rod Blagojevich. Previously, he spent 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.  

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.