Governor-Elect Rauner Names Transition Team

Republican Bruce Rauner on Wednesday named the leaders of his transition team as he prepares to take over as Illinois governor.

The Winnetka businessman said his running mate, Wheaton City Council member Evelyn Sanguinetti, will serve as chairwoman. The team also includes several senior campaign staff: Mike Zolnierowicz, Chip Englander, Nancy Kimme, and Mike Schrimpf.

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With 99 percent of precincts reporting as of midday Wednesday, Rauner had earned 51 percent of the vote to Gov. Pat Quinn's 46 percent. Libertarian candidate Chad Grimm took 3 percent of the vote.

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In an emailed statement Rauner said he's "committed to assembling a diverse and talented team to drive results" for Illinois.

Rauner spent Wednesday in meetings and didn't have any public appearances planned.

Schrimpf said the lack of a public schedule was out of respect for Quinn and because Rauner wants to take "a methodical, thoughtful approach."

Once the results are verified, the first-time candidate will become the first Republican governor in Illinois in 16 years and ends a dozen years of Democratic rule in Springfield.

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