Rauner Gets Support From Dems, Independents

Bruce Rauner says he has the ear of some key Democrats as the race for Illinois governor heats up.

Two days after winning the GOP gubernatorial race, Rauner on Thursday presented a list of 22 Democrats and Independents who support him against Gov. Pat Quinn in November.

“Illinois is a diverse state and one party doesn’t have a monopoly on good ideas,” Rauner said.

The list notably includes former Federal Communications Commission chairman Newton Minow and Rev. James Meeks, though Meeks wasn't at Thursday's announcement because of a scheduling conflict according to the Rauner campaign.

"President Kennedy says sometimes party loyalty asks too much," Minow said. "I'm taking a leave of absence from my party. ... I've been around a long time, I'm 88 years old."   

"There are more Independent voters than there are Democrats, more Independent voters than there are Republicans," he noted.

Rauner's wife, Diana, who was not publicly visible until election night, introduced herself Thursday as a lifelong Democrat.

"For me, it's not about Republican or Democrat, it's now or never," Diana Rauner said, touting her husband's resume and his contributions to the Red Cross and charter schools.

"We want to help every family in Illinois," Rauner said,

Manny Sanchez has pulled a Democratic ballot in the past to have a voice.

"I'm a lifelong Independent, more often voted for Democrats," he said, adding, "we need a breath of fresh air."

When asked about the key Republicans who may not yet support him, Rauner said he plans to take a bi-partisan effort.

"I am a Republican, I'm about solving problems," he said, adding "Illinois is suffering from the same folks in office too long."

When asked about Meeks and Rauner not agreeing on same sex marriage, Rauner notes, "nobody in my world agrees on everything."

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