SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has emphasized his support of labor unions in the nationally watched governor’s contest.
Quinn is a Chicago Democrat. He faces what’s expected to be a tough challenge from Republican businessman Bruce Rauner (ROW’-nur).
Quinn told a group of Democratic officials in Springfield at a breakfast Wednesday that this election is particularly important because his opponent has “demonized” public employees.
He says “we’re not for that in Illinois.”
Rauner, a Winnetka venture capitalist, has made fighting “government union bosses” a theme during the GOP primary.
Quinn has traditionally enjoyed union support. However, public employee unions disagreed when he signed a pension overhaul that cuts benefits for state employees and retirees.
Top Democrats at the breakfast are expected to head to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in the afternoon.
