U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi rallied with Illinois Democrats Wednesday in Springfield.

In just a few years, one has transformed the Illinois Republican Party from a perennial also-ran into a serious contender. Bruce Rauner been an agenda-setter, a shot-caller, and a rainmaker. And his party’s true believers couldn’t be happier.

Rauner didn't miss the opportunity to make a grand entrance to his first Governor's Day at the fairgrounds, riding in on his black Harley -- decked in his state fair uniform of Wranglers, black cowboy boots, and a plaid shirt -- took off his helmet, and greeted some fans who'd been waiting for his arrival.