Democrats weigh 2018 challenge to Rauner; GOP on the attack

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner sent two clear signals when he dumped $50 million into his campaign fund: The 2018 race for Illinois governor will be a rough one, and the contest starts now.

What's still unknown is which Democrats will try to unseat the multimillionaire former businessman. Among those contemplating a bid are U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, businessman Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Andy Manar and billionaire investor J.B. Pritzker, according to potential candidates and aides.

In a glimpse of what's to come, the Democratic Governors Association said Rauner is "more focused on getting elected than passing a budget or growing Illinois' economy," and that his cash infusion "won't make Illinois voters forget about his past 2 years of failure."

Illinois Republican Party spokesman Steven Yaffe fired back that the election will "present a clear choice between those like Gov. Rauner who want to reform state government so it works for the taxpayers and those who will simply raise taxes without reforming the status quo in order to protect the political insiders and special interests."

Click Here to read more.