The former head of the Illinois Republican Party says Bruce Rauner is helping rebuild the state GOP. Rauner’s victory over Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn is the first time a Republican has held the governor’s office since 2003. Former party chair Pat Brady says Rauner will be a magnet for voters the GOP needs.
"You get a guy like Bruce that has a good economic message and things like that, I think that’s very appealing to young people. And that’s how you - you gotta get ‘em young," said Brady.
Brady says Rauner and the resources he put toward the race have been instrumental in bolstering the party’s infrastructure. Rauner spent $65 million during the campaign - including $25 million from his own pockets.