Gov. Bruce Rauner officially has an opponent in the Republican primary, state Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), however, his recent campaign strategy is not to focus on his Republican competition, or even anyone currently running for governor.
Instead, a recent ad released by Rauner's campaign targets House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and points out Rauner's efforts against Madigan's policies.
"Four decades of Mike Madigan ... and nothing but corruption ... and failure," the ad says. "Rauner closed the corrupt revolving door between government and lobbyists, fought big spenders and vetoed Madigan's massive tax hike. (Rauner) brought in thousands of new jobs and unemployment is down for the first time in years."
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner
Madigan has been a focus of Rauner's campaign as of late, as the governor was recently quoted after appearing at an Illinois Farm Bureau conference as saying he's hasn't been the one in charge and that Madigan has "rigged the system."
It remains to be seen how Rauner may change his campaign strategy to reflect Ives' entry into the race, though he has already referred to her as "a fringe candidate."
The Republican primary will be held March 20.
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