An accusation of wrongdoing in the Illinois governor’s race is drawing a swift rebuke from Republicans today. The accusation from Democratic Governor Pat Quinn came out of nowhere during a joint appearance before the Chicago Tribune editorial board.
The governor claims the House Republican Leader told him GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner made it hard to pass pension reform last year because Rauner offered lawmakers campaign cash to vote ‘no.’
"He was trying to hold the vote, he said, Rauner’s out there with campaign money, trying to sabotage the bill."
Rauner says he DID fight against the bill, but vehemently denies offering campaign money.
"I never, ever, voted, offered somebody cash for a vote. That’s ridiculous. I would never do that."
For his part, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says Quinn’s story is simply untrue.
"That was outta left field. And uh, uh, that conversation never occurred."
Rauner’s campaign says Quinn is trying to distract from his own political hiring controversy at the state Department of Transportation.
