CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn’s running mate Paul Vallas says Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner’s plan to cut spending is a “joke.”

Vallas is a former Chicago Public Schools CEO. He held a news conference Friday to address Rauner’s proposals. The Winnetka businessman is seeking public office for the first time. He claims his ideas will save more than $800 million. They include merging the comptroller’s and treasurer’s office.