Rauner Kicks Off Inaugural Plans With Fly Around State

Those who contribute $25,000 to his inaugural campaign will receive 4 VIP tickets to the swearing-in ceremony as well as tickets to two dinners, a reception and celebratory concert

Bruce Rauner, the first-time candidate and soon-to-be governor of Illinois will fly around the state Friday and Saturday to kick off his inaugural plans.

Those who contribute $25,000 to his inaugural campaign will receive 4 VIP tickets to the swearing-in ceremony as well as tickets to two dinners, a reception and celebratory concert.

The concert at the convention center will be held in lieu of an inaugural ball with not just Buddy Guy but country favorite Toby Keith set to perform. Concert-only tickets cost $125.

For those unable to come to Springfield for the official events, there’s a business roundtable being held to hear the new governor's first 100-day plans to shake up Springfield. The roundtable will be held at the Chicago Club. Tickets run $25,000 per couple.

“Gov. Rauner likes to say he can't be bought,” said David Melton, the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform's executive director. “I’m glad, I hope that's the case and I’m not suggesting otherwise, but the ability to buy access with contributions is not a good thing, not a healthy thing."

The Illinois campaign for political reform suggests all names be published of those who buy tickets to Rauner events.

"This is a trend nationwide,” Melton said. “The presidential campaigns have done it, many states have done it. With this misguided noting, we're saving the taxpayers money."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence are among the attendees heading to Springfield.

Chicago’s new archbishop Blase Cupich, who has met with Rauner and joined him at a pro-school choice event, will lead the invocation.

Also planning to be in Springfield is Illinois’ two senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk. There are also plans to honor former comptroller Judy Barr Topinka with a moment of silence.

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