Rauner, Pritzker Join to Celebrate Illinois Bicentennial

Gov. Bruce Rauner and Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker will make a joint appearance at the state's Bicentennial celebration Dec. 3.

Republican Rauner made the announcement Monday. That's less than a week after Democrat Pritzker defeated Rauner in the election after a bitter campaign.

Rauner says the focus should be on the future and "there is no better place to start uniting than at an event that celebrates the greatness of Illinois."

Pritzker says it means celebrating as "one Illinois."

But the bicentennial gala itself will be less great than expected. Poor ticket sales forced the Bicentennial Commission to move the party from the United Center to the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier.

Bicentennial executive director Stuart Layne says the new venue allows for "a more intimate event."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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