An Illinois town in the midst of a major rebuilding following deadly tornadoes last year would normally lean Republican, but this year the town’s mayor is showing support for Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.
After an EF-4 tornado careened through Washington Illinois 11 months ago, families are getting closer to moving back into their homes, thanks in part to help city officials say they received from Quinn following the disaster.
Washington Mayor Gary Manier is directing the city’s recovery response after more than 1,100 homes were damaged or destroyed, but he’s also been tapped as a Republican to stay in a campaign ad for Quinn.
“He stepped up,” said Manier. “It wasn’t something that he found a pile of money and said let’s arbitrarily give $45 million to the nine counties.”
Republican candidate Bruce Rauner and his wife Diana also donated $1 million to the American Red Cross for the relief efforts in Central Illinois.
The mayor agreed to Quinn’s campaign ad but he also noted the area has a lot of priorities once the rebuilding is over.
“No matter who the governor is, there’s a lot of work to be done on both sides of the aisle,” Manier said. “Regardless of who’s in that sear, we need to work together.”
