It's the first Governor's Day in Republican hands at the Illinois State Fair in a dozen years. Members of the GOP rallying at the fairgrounds gave a standing ovation to Governor Bruce Rauner when he took the stage.
"The Republican Party is strong, we're going to become a two-party state again and restore the principles that make Illinois great."
Rauner says the state has suffered with Democrats like House Speaker Michael Madigan in charge. But union members say it's Rauner who is hurting Illinois, with his cuts to services like child care assistance and home care for the disabled. Hundreds of them chanted in protest just outside Rauner's rally.
Democrats will rally at the fairgrounds tomorrow.
