National Republican Congressional Commiittee
March 18, 2014

MEMO: ILLINOIS PRIMARY RESULTS


TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: MARCH 18, 2014
SUBJECT: ILLINOIS PRIMARY RESULTS
 
Illinois was ground zero for political mischief in 2012 when national Democrats disrespected the will of the voters with their political gerrymandering efforts. While Nancy Pelosi and Washington Democrats had to cheat the system with gerrymandering to even the playing field for them on the House level, the stark reality of the political climate for Democrats across the country cannot be denied.
 
Unfortunately for national Democrats this cycle, not only are voters frustrated with government’s overreach in Washington but also coupling that with their frustration with Democrat Governor Pat Quinn, Democrat Members of Congress are walking into this cycle badly wounded. The tide is looking to turn against Democrats on the state level and that distrust in local Democrats will surely effect the national races in the state.
 
On the other hand, Republican incumbent Rodney Davis has strongly navigated his first term in Congress and is known for being a hardworking member who has a strong fundraising prowess. Davis continues to frustrate Washington Democrats with his flawless first term and will be a great example to the new challengers taking on Democrat members in Southern Illinois and the suburbs of Chicago. Adding in rematches from two of the strongest candidates from the 2012 cycle, Illinois once again looks like a competitive battleground state where Democrats will be forced to spend big money to defend their members.
 
INCUMBENTS
 
IL-13: Rep. Rodney Davis, R vs. Ann Callis, D
Illinois 13th District was a huge disappointment for national Democrats after the 2012 cycle. Not only did the DCCC’s handpicked candidate Matt Goetten lose his primary challenge to David Gill, but their expectations of winning this seat during the presidential cycle failed to happen. That was even after the Democrats gerrymandered the state’s districts in order to multiply their Democrat Members of Congress.
 
Now, Nancy Pelosi and her campaign arm have decided to try again in the 13th District which is home to Rodney Davis, a prolific fundraiser and popular freshman Member of Congress in what Rothenberg rates as a Toss Up/Tilt Republican District.
 
While Ann Callis was forced to spend a huge portion of her campaign fundraising totals to survive her primary, she will now be forced to play catch up in order to compete with Davis’ fundraising capabilities and campaign war chest. National Democrats might have been able to get their handpicked candidate over the finish line in this cycle’s primary, but Callis is seen as a flawed candidate with a judicial history which will be carefully scrutinized over the next eight months.
 
The primary challenge from Gollin has left Callis very wounded with attack ads airing on TV hitting her for being a “political insider” who wants to “cut Social Security.” Callis has also been criticized by local newspapers for her inability to discuss the issues and explain where she stands.
 
The Chicago Tribune noted: "Callis sticks to safe talking points, occasionally name-checking Durbin. Her answers to our survey are carefully scripted, heavy on promises to protect seniors and middle-class families without explaining what she'd actually do.”
 
Davis is well-equipped for victory in this seat that Cook Political Report says “Toss Up/Tilt Republican.”
Geography: PVI: Even; Romney 49%. The district covers the western central area of Illinois, including portions of Greene, Champaign, Jersey, Madison, Montgomery, Christian, Macon, De Witt, and Piatt counties.
 
CHALLENGERS
 
IL-10: Robert Dold, R vs. Rep. Brad Schneider, D
In 2010, Bob Dold quickly proved himself as a political force to be reckoned with as he represented the most Democratic district in the country held by a Republican Member. While 2012 was a tough year for Republicans running is similar districts to Dold’s, the freshman lawmaker was able to keep within a very close margin to Brad Schneider who rode President Obama’s coat tails to victory. Dold had such a strong performance in 2012 that he outperformed Mitt Romney by 8 points in the 10th District.
 
After narrowly defeating Dold, Freshman Congressman Brad Schneider has been viewed by many as a do-nothing member on Capitol Hill. Mainly sticking to Nancy Pelosi’s voting record, Schneider has yet to distance himself from his party leaders even though his district has a very fiscal conservative streak. During the 2012 cycle, Schneider was known as being the country’s smallest small businessman for his what seemed to be fabricated business career and now Schneider seems to be just as unimpressive as a Member of Congress. 
 
Democrats might have drawn the districts in their favor last cycle but make no mistake, Bob Dold is a force to be reckoned with this cycle. Dold is a real small business owner who gained the reputation of being an independent voice in Congress and is going into this election as a strong fundraiser who has hit the campaign trail running.
 
The National Journal ranked Dold as one of the few members who is “closest to the ideological” center of Congress. Dold has also been recognized for his efforts to protect the environment and for his commitment to Israel's long-term security. 
 
Geography: PVI: D+8; Dold outperformed Romney by 8 points in 2012. The district covers the northern suburbs of Chicago, including portions of Cook and Lake counties.
 
IL-11: Darlene Senger, R vs. Rep. Bill Foster, D
Rep. Bill Foster is a failed politician who has been rejected by Illinois families before for his massive spending plans, not to mention his vote for the President’s health care law which even has his former staffers upset with the congressman.
 
Foster’s record in Congress this go around is very similar to the same record he held once before when he was fired by voters. His job-destroying record will be a huge albatross around his neck for the next eight months. Darlene Senger is a strong candidate and more importantly a strong alternative to Bill Foster’s reckless spending.
 
A product of the NRCC’s Project Grow, Senger brings to the table her many years as a State Representative serving the communities of the 11th District in Springfield. Fighting for what’s right has always been a top priority for Senger and she will continue that fight in Washington.
 
When you consider the national tone is strongly against the President’s health care law, which Foster voted for, Senger’s prospects are strong in this midterm election.
 
Geography: PVI: D+8; This suburban Chicago district covers parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.
 
IL-12: Mike Bost, R vs. Rep. Bill Enyart, D
Southern Illinois families are ready for a change and IL-12 is a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans in the 2014 cycle. In his time in Congress, Bill Enyart has quickly proven that he is no Jerry Costello, who was seen as a clear independent leader in Washington. Southern Illinois families are now left with the partisan political style of Bill Enyart who sides more with Nancy Pelosi then with Southern Illinois families.
 
Republicans have a strong candidate this cycle in State Representative Mike Bost. The longtime state house member is a community leader who has spent the majority of his life serving the people of the 12th District. Not only does Bost go into this competition with high name recognition, but he also has years’ worth of service dedicated to the area which has left him with high praise from his community.
 
Enyart, who has been hidden from his constituents shortly after being elected, will have to defend his pro-Pelosi voting record to this working-class southwest district. In the past few years, the Southern Illinois district has been trending more and more Republican and identifies more with rural Missouri than Obama’s home state. Considering the national mood towards the President’s health care law and Democrat Members of Congress who have continued to push the law on the American people, Bill Enyart goes into this election cycle at a disadvantage.
 
Contrasting Bost’s strong record of service to Enyart’s last year as a partisan politician in Washington will give the voters a clear vision that Mike Bost is the only one ready to fight for them in Congress.
 
Geography: PVI: Even; Kirk 51%. This southwest district covers parts of Madison county, and all of Alexander, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Monroe, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, St.Clair, Union and Williamson counties.
 
IL-17: Bobby Schilling, R vs. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D
In Illinois’ 17th District we will see the second rematch from the 2012 cycle. Bobby Schilling, a pizzeria owner and union member, was an effective voice in Washington for the people of Western Illinois. On the other hand, Cheri Bustos has been a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi and Washington Democrats and won’t have the luxury of running as an challenger without a voting record in 2014.
Sen. Dick Durbin might have handpicked Cheri Bustos in 2012 and gerrymandered a district in her favor, but now Bustos will have to own her votes for supporting ObamaCare and explain her missed votes to fund our troops.
 
Bobby Schilling’s experience of running a business and employing Illinoisans stands in stark contrast with Congresswoman Bustos’ record of higher taxes and more government spending.
 
Geography: PVI: D+7; The district covers northwestern Illinois with potions of Jo Daviess, Winnebago, Carroll, Whiteside, Henderson, Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, Knox and Fulton counties.
 
STATEWIDE ROUNDUP
 
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in Illinois. These results are unofficial and incomplete.
 
*Indicates Winner determined by AP
IL-11 –GOP Primary
403 of 417 Precincts Reporting – 97%
Darlene Senger* 38%
Chris Balkema 32%
Bert Miller 26%
Ian Bayne 03%
 
IL-13 - DEM Primary
337 of 605 Precincts Reporting - 56%
Ann Callis* 59%
George Gollin 28%
David Green 13%

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
March 18, 2014

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel’s Statement on Ann Callis Primary Win in IL-13 and Illinois Races‎

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding ‘Red to Blue’ candidate Judge Ann Callis winning the Democratic nomination in Illinois’s 13th Congressional District, along with Democrats’ strong position in Congressional races around the state.  

“Democrats across Illinois are strongly positioned to succeed in November because they are on the side of middle class families while their Republican opponents are stacking the deck for special interests. Democratic incumbents have been fighting to protect good jobs, raise wages and grow the economy – and the people of Illinois now have an excellent opportunity to send another Democratic problem-solver to Congress from the 13th Congressional district.

“I especially congratulate Judge Ann Callis on her convincing primary win because she demonstrated her commonsense appeal and record of  accomplishments like standing up for our veterans and families facing foreclosure. Congressman Rodney Davis will find that putting special interests first, ending the Medicare guarantee and raising costs on Illinois seniors will put him on the wrong side of voters in November.”


Republican Governors Association
March 18, 2014

RGA Statement on Illinois Gubernatorial Primary

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chairman Chris Christie issued the following statement regarding the outcome of tonight’s Illinois gubernatorial primary election:

“It’s time to leave behind the days of high unemployment and job losses, skyrocketing taxes, unaccountable spending and failing schools that have blighted the last five years in Illinois under Pat Quinn. Illinois is ready for a real leader: someone who can’t be bought or intimidated. Illinois is ready for a governor who is willing to solve the toughest of problems, not avoid them; for a governor who works to foster economic growth, not stifle it; for a governor who can balance a budget without saddling the taxpayers time and time again; for a governor who refuses to endure the persistent failure of government that has racked Illinois for years.”

“Illinois is ready for Bruce Rauner. He is focused, willing and prepared to do what it takes to bring back Illinois. The Republican Governors Association congratulates Bruce Rauner on his victory tonight and proudly supports his campaign to defeat Governor Quinn.”

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Democratic Governors Association
March 18, 2014

STATEMENT: In Tight Race, GOP Nomination of Right-Wing Billionaire Presents Clear Choice For IL Voters

WASHINGTON, DC—Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, tonight issued the following statement regarding the Illinois gubernatorial primary results:
 
“Tonight, a small group of Illinois Republicans nominated an out-of-touch, right-wing billionaire who has spent his entire career profiting off of the struggles of hard-working people. Despite using millions of dollars of his personal fortune trying to whitewash his anti-middle class record, a vast majority of primary voters rejected Bruce Rauner. In the wake of his poor performance, the choice in November’s election couldn’t be clearer.
 
“When Governor Quinn took office, Illinois was in crisis – two governors in jail, unprecedented financial instability, and the worst recession since the Great Depression. The Governor is righting the ship with a steadfast focus on creating good-paying, middle-class jobs, getting the state’s fiscal house in order, and making the critical investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation that will lead to long-term growth.
 
“Bruce Rauner has vastly different priorities. He’d slash the minimum wage, gut core investments in schools and public safety, and cut taxes for the very wealthiest. Mr. Rauner brags about being in the top .01 percent of Americans, and that’s exactly who his policies are designed to help. They’re also why he will be rejected by voters in November.”
 
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MEMORANDUM

TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Danny Kanner, DGA Communications Director
DATE:  March 19, 2014
RE: After Tight Primary, Billionaire Bruce Rauner Enters General Election Hobbled & Exposed
 
Last night, the vast majority of the most hardcore Illinois Republicans rejected billionaire Bruce Rauner. Even with public polling that showed Rauner would win by double digits, actual primary voters decided that his anti-middle class record is not what Illinois needs.
 
Despite the pre-election punditry, these results shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The past few months have shined a bright light on the real Rauner: a typical, uber-rich GOP politician who wants to slash the minimum wage, gut education and public safety, and cut taxes for the wealthiest so those at the very top can benefit.
That stands in stark contrast to Governor Pat Quinn.
When Governor Quinn took office, Illinois was in trouble – two governors in jail, high unemployment, and the worst recession since the Great Depression. Now, he’s righting the ship with a steadfast focus on creating more good-paying, middle-class jobs.
There’s a clear difference in the race ahead – hurting working people in the name of profit for himself and his wealthy pals has been what’s defined Bruce Rauner’s entire corporate career.
 
In the primary campaign, voters began to learn about Billionaire Bruce’s Romney-esque career in the private sector, which included a “corporate fraud” that resulted in the deaths of nursing home patients and shady financial ties to an imprisoned Blagojevich associate:
 
Rauner Holds “Similar Background” To Mitt Romney. “With businessman Bruce Rauner running for Illinois governor, his experience in the world of private equity is likely to sound familiar to voters. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney had a similar background, which became fodder for debate during the 2012 campaign… Rauner, a Republican, and his former firm, Chicago-based GTCR, aren’t as well-known nationally as Romney and Bain, but they can expect to be scrutinized, especially if Rauner’s candidacy gains momentum.” [Chicago Tribune, 6/16/13]
 
Jury Awarded $1.1 Billion In Damages After Woman Died At Understaffed Nursing Home Owned By GTCR.“On July 22, a Polk County jury awarded $1.1 billion in damages in a case of corporate corruption and misconduct that ultimately led to the death of a local woman. A jury agreed that defendant, Trans Health Care, Inc. (THI), deserved to be punished for such severe corporate greed that it caused Arlene Townsend to suffer for years in a nursing home that was short-staffed and under-supplied… Evidence showed the investors — that included New York real estate investors; financiers General Electric Capital Corporation (a private bank) and Ventas, Inc. (a real estate investment firm); and multi-billion dollar Chicago private equity fund GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC — set out to build their empire through a series of mergers and acquisitions with the ultimate goal of taking the company public, cashing out and making a lot of money.” [10News WTSP, 7/25/13]
 
Victim’s Attorney: Case About “Corporate Fraud, Corporate Greed.” “The lawsuit against nursing home company Trans Healthcare Inc. claimed the company was negligent in [Arlene] Townsend’s death and operated without adequate staff or supplies… [Isaac] Ruiz-Caruz, one of the attorneys representing Townsend’s estate, said the case was about ‘corporate fraud, corporate greed.’” [WFLA, 8/20/13]
 
Hinz: Rauner’s Firm Contracted With Imprisoned Blogojevich Associate Stuart Levine. In March 2013, Crain’s Chicago Business columnist Greg Hinz wrote, “[I]nvestment moguls like Mr. Romney and Mr. Rauner can get entangled in all sorts of things in their business careers that don’t play well on the political stump. Which leads to a tale of Mr. Rauner’s involvement—perhaps unintentional, perhaps not—with Stuart Levine, the notorious political fixer, federal felon and corrupt Springfield insider who helped bring down Rod Blagojevich, whose old job Mr. Rauner is eyeing. In testimony during the 2008 trial of Blagojevich pal Tony Rezko, Mr. Levine and others said Mr. Levine had had a $25,000-a-month contract ‘consulting’ for CompBenefits Corp., an Atlanta-based dental and vision benefits company once known as CompDent. According to its website, CompBenefits at the time of Mr. Levine’s contract principally was owned by four private-equity firms, including GTCR LLC. Mr. Rauner, a founder of GTCR, is the “R” in the acronym.” [Crain’s Chicago Business, 3/11/13]
 
During the campaign, Rauner shockingly laid out a plan to cut the minimum wage for middle-class families struggling to get ahead:
 
Rauner Initially Said He Favored Cutting Minimum Wage; Tried To Backtrack Even As Video Surfaced Of Him Saying He Was “Adamantly, Adamantly” Against An Increase. “First, Bruce Rauner seemed to say he favored cutting the state’s $8.25-an-hour minimum wage. Then, he retreated from those ‘flippant’ remarks made in December and said this week he favors increasing pay for Illinois’ poorest workers to as much as $10 an hour. On Thursday came yet another twist in the Republican gubernatorial candidate’s confusing and evolving stance on a vital issue affecting 1.1 million Illinois workers: a September video in which Rauner said he ‘adamantly, adamantly’ opposes raising the minimum wage. Got all that?” [Dave McKinney, Voices, Sun-Times, 1/9/14]
 
He went so far as to brag that he’s in the top .01 percent of Americans, saying that he’s “rich” and “proud of it,” which is evidenced by his nine seven-figure properties around the country:
 
Rauner: “Oh, I’m Probably .01 Percent.” “Within minutes of sitting for an interview, gubernatorial front-runner Bruce Rauner makes a bold correction about his personal fortune when asked if he is among the so-called 1 percent of the wealthiest Americans. ‘Oh, I’m probably .01 percent,’ said Rauner, who owns nine homes, and made $53 million last year.” [Chicago Sun-Times, 3/7/14]
 
Rauner: “I’m Rich And I’m Proud Of It.” According to 89 WLS, “Some of his opponents say he’s trying to buy the election, but Rauner has never been embarrassed about being rich. ‘I’m rich and I’m proud of it,’ Rauner said. ‘I’m a self-made guy. And I didn’t inherit a nickel. I worked my fanny off and I did great. Since when in America is that a bad thing?’” [89 WLS, 1/30/14]
 
Rauner’s Many Properties Include Ranches, Waterfront Villas, $10 Million New York City Penthouse.“[W]hile Rauner may have a bargain-basement Timex on his wrist, his real estate portfolio is pure Rolex. There’s the 6,870-square-foot Rauner mansion on a half-acre lot in Winnetka; two units, including a penthouse, in a luxury high-rise overlooking Millennium Park; a waterfront villa in the Florida Keys with a 72-foot-long pool; ranches in Montana and Wyoming; and a condo in an upscale Utah ski resort. Most carry price tags well into the seven figures. But topping the list is a penthouse in a landmark co-op building along New York’s Central Park, which property records show Rauner bought in 2005 for $10 million.” [Chicago Tribune, 11/25/13]
 
For these reasons, former Republican Governor Jim Edgar said that Rauner would only represent a “bunch of rich Republicans” if elected, while a Republican opponent argued that Rauner is unelectable in a general election:
 
Former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar: Rauner Would Be Governor For “A Bunch Of Rich Republicans.” ”‘If you’re governor for the state of Illinois, you’re governor for everybody. You just can’t be governor for a bunch of rich Republicans,’ Edgar said in a media availability at the Union League Club Sunday. ‘You have to represent everyone.’” [Chicago Sun-Times, 3/6/14]
 
Edgar Said Rauner’s Campaign Has Been Divisive, Appealed Only To Those In Top Income Tiers. ”In a last-dash, statewide push for state Sen. Kirk Dillard’s candidacy, Edgar said Rauner’s campaign has been divisive and appealed only to the top-tiered income getters.” [Chicago Sun-Times, 3/16/14]
 
Rauner Primary Opponent Kirk Dillard: “You’re Not Going To Beat Pat Quinn With A Bazillionaire Who’s So Out Of Touch With Working Families”. ”Dillard took shots at Rauner as well but did not mention him by name. ‘You’re not going to beat Pat Quinn with a bazillionaire who’s so out of touch with working families that he sees nothing wrong with bending the rules that all other Illinoisans have to live with,’ Dillard said. ‘We can’t let the .01 percent decide what’s the best for Illinois.’” [Chicago Sun-Times, 3/6/14]
 
As voters learned more about Rauner, they agreed with Republican leaders. His unfavorables have more than doubled in the past month alone:
 
Rauner’s Unfavorable Ratings Have More Than Doubled In The Past Month Alone. According to the Chicago Tribune, “A new Tribune/WGN-TV poll shows Rauner, the wealthy first-time candidate from Winnetka at 36 percent support — down 4 percentage points from a month ago amid a blitz of labor union-backed TV ads attacking his business dealings as a venture capitalist… The ads, funded by Dillard-allied public unions, may have driven up unfavorable views of Rauner. While the percentage of voters who have a favorable view of Rauner remained largely the same at 47 percent, the percentage who hold an unfavorable view rose from 10 percent in early February to 21 percent in the new poll.” [Chicago Tribune, 3/9/13]
 
Now that the primary campaign is over, a deeply-damaged Rauner will face an electorate that voted for Barack Obama over Mitt Romney by 17 points. Given that Billionaire Bruce’s record makes Romney look like a sympathetic fighter for the middle class, Republicans look poised to lose one of the only pick-up opportunities they have in the entire country. 
 
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Illinios Education Association
March 18, 2014

IEA President’s statement on the March 18 primary election results

Statement on the results of the March 18, 2014 primary election from IEA President Cinda Klickna

It is disappointing, but not surprising, that a candidate who outspent his opposition so overwhelmingly was able to win a four-way race.

Despite the outcome, we have no regrets about our support for Kirk Dillard.  Senator Dillard was and is a longtime friend of IEA. He was the only electable candidate in the Republican race for governor to support public education and the rights of working people.

IEA is an advocacy organization. Our commitment to advocacy required that we do all we could to ensure that the gubernatorial nominees for both political parties support public education and the rights of workers.

While the outcome is not what we hoped for, our efforts had an impact.

We had two goals: Elect Kirk Dillard, and inform the voters as to who Bruce Rauner is and what he stands for. We wanted it known that Rauner supported cutting the minimum wage and that he would stifle the voices of teachers as they advocate for their students.

With the primary over, focus moves to the November general election. We intend to invite Governor Quinn and Mr. Rauner to meet with IEA members and leaders, something that Mr. Rauner has previously refused to do.

Our members want to talk, face to face, with both candidates and have them answer questions about their respective visions for our state and for public education.

The 133,000 IEA members throughout Illinois look forward to that discussion.

The students of this state deserve a governor who supports public education. We are their advocates, so we will continue our political advocacy.


SEIU Healthcare Illinois
March 19, 2014

SEIU Healthcare Illinois Issues Statement: This Primary Election Is a Defining Win for Working Families

CHICAGO, March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana (HCII) said that working families won important and impressive victories in this primary election and applauded the work of its members and volunteers who turned out the vote today.

HCII's grassroots operation, along with its community partners, resulted in an overwhelming majority of the 103 Chicago precincts approving the non-binding referendum to require major corporations that make over $50 million per year to pay workers a minimum wage of at least $15 an hour.

Community activists and coalition partners said tonight's results will help change the conversation about income inequality in Chicago and Illinois and fuel the growing movement to lift wages for working families.

HCII also played an instrumental role in two contested state representative races. In the 39th district, the union helped carry Will Guzzardi to victory, as he amplified the concerns of working families. We also helped to raise the profile of progressive candidate Nancy Schiavone in the 40th district, who shook up the race and forced the incumbent State Rep. Jaime Andrade to be more responsive to constituents' concerns about growing income inequality.

In response to tonight's election results, April Verrett, Executive Vice-President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana, issued the following statement:

"Tonight was a great victory on behalf of low-wage workers and our families. Our neighbors and communities sent a clear and definitive message that major corporations should be held accountable and be required to pay Chicago's workers a $15 minimum wage.

"We take pride that this election helped to build our movement and brought people together who felt like they didn't have a voice – and now they do. Our community and coalition partners are stronger and more engaged than ever before.

"Our elected officials and political candidates are finally realizing that working families will hold them accountable and that our collective future depends on creating opportunity for everyone and the urgent need to broaden prosperity in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

"If there was one clear take away from this election, it's that we must build an economy that works for everyone, not just for the wealthy few and large corporations.

"The contrast between the competing visions for Illinois' future between right-wing billionaires like Bruce Rauner and low-wage homecare workers, nursing home attendants, hospital workers, and child care providers has never been starker.

"Bruce Rauner brags about being in the top 1 percent of the 1 percent of Americans, owns nine luxury homes which are worth millions of dollars each, and made $53 million last year alone – yet Rauner wants to cut the minimum wage from $8.25 back to $7.25 an hour for hard-working Illinoisans who are struggling just to survive.

"Bruce Rauner handed over $6 million of his own money to his campaign and raised another $6 million from his rich donors while minimum wage workers and families volunteered their time to mobilize our communities over the last two months in the most brutal winter in decades just to give Chicago's low-wage workers a raise.

"Our SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana members are caregivers. Peoples' lives depend on the vital care we provide.

"Yet, too many of our members struggle to survive on low wages. We see firsthand the erosion of our communities due to failing schools and a lack of jobs. Too many of our brothers and sisters live in unsafe neighborhoods with scores of foreclosed homes and whole communities in decline from a lack of investment.

"That's why we fundamentally believe that now is the time for new and independent leadership on all levels of government. We will continue to support candidates whom we believe will strengthen, champion and empower our communities.

"Tonight's election proved that when working families stand up and fight for what we believe in, we can and will fundamentally change the conversation and lift up progressive candidates and issues that we care about."

SEIU Healthcare Illinois & Indiana unites more than 92,000 healthcare, home care, nursing home and child care workers across two states in the fight to raise standards across industries, to strengthen the political voice for working families and for access to quality, affordable care for all families. Visit www.seiuhcilin.org for more information.