Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner showed a flair for the dramatic Thursday at a news conference unveiling his cost-cutting ideas for the state.
Rauner unveiled a crate of live chickens to illustrate financial waste in Gov. Pat Quinn's administration.
"We have spent over $100,000 -- $100,000 flying chickens ... flying chickens into our state," Rauner said.
Rauner also criticized the cost of the state's fleet of aircraft, saying lawmakers can drive back and forth to Springfield instead of flying.
"We are going to eliminate the shuttle service and sell many of the state planes," Rauner said.
Rauner also plans to merge the office of the state Comptroller and Treasurer, reform Medicaid verification and to tell legislators like House Speaker Mike Madigan to quit having two jobs and focus on being a lawmaker.
"We think that they should focus on the legislative process, not be active in outside businesses," Rauner said.
Quinn's campaign called Rauner's proposals a prank, saying his ideas are not new, lack specific details and shows a misunderstanding of how government is run.
Quinn received the endorsement of a group of ministers Thursday, but refused to take any questions.
Rauner says more budget details will be coming in the weeks ahead.
