Illinois Democrats are questioning the motivation of the Republican candidate for governor. Bruce Rauner is offering a million dollars to support a money lender on Chicago’s South Side.
ABC 7 Chicago first reported Rauner’s offer to the Southside Community Federal Credit Union. That lender specifically serves Chicago’s South Side, giving high-risk loans
Rauner told some advocates of the credit union that his cash could help spur loans to small businesses in the economically deprived part of the city.
Gregg Brown - who runs the credit union - says he’s never met Rauner. And he can’t make political endorsements since his organization is a non-profit.
"If there’s some true interest in investing in our mission, we welcome that conversation."
A spokeswoman for the Democratic Governors Association calls Rauner’s pledge a “cynical” move to purchase votes.
Rauner’s campaign spokesman says the candidate has tried to create business opportunities in African-American neighborhoods for decades.