News Local/State

Businessman Rauner Announces Bid for Illinois Governor

 

Republican venture capitalist Bruce Rauner says he's running for Illinois governor in 2014.

In a video posted on his website, Rauner says Illinois is in a financial mess.  He says the state needs a political outsider to fix things.

Rauner will face state Treasurer Dan Rutherford in the GOP primary. Republican Sens. Kirk Dillard and Bill Brady also have expressed interest.

Gov. Pat Quinn has said he'll run for re-election. Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley and Attorney General Lisa Madigan are considering a Democratic primary challenge.

It's Rauner's first bid for public office, but the wealthy Winnetka businessman already has shown he can raise campaign funds. He brought in $1.3 million in the first month after forming his exploratory committee.

That includes a $249,000 personal contribution.