CHICAGO (AP) - Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is launching the first official campaign tour of his re-election bid as Democrats line up to try to defeat him in 2018.
Rauner kicks off a two-day, multi-stop swing Tuesday morning in suburban Chicago. Other stops will include a Springfield rally Tuesday night and Wednesday visits in southern Illinois.
The tour comes as Rauner's approval ratings have sagged amid a record state budget stalemate.
His campaign says Rauner wants to take a message directly to voters that he's working hard and still determined to "deliver real change."
Several Democrats have announced bids, including state Sen. Daniel Biss, businessman Chris Kennedy, Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar and billionaire J.B. Pritzker.
Democrats have criticized Rauner throughout his term for focusing more on campaigning than solving Illinois' problems.
Tour Schedule:
Tuesday 4/11
10:00 AM - Bloomingdale - Now Foods, 395 Glen Ellyn Rd, Bloomingdale
11:55 AM - Rockford - Machine Shed Restaurant, 7475 E. State St., Rockford
1:45 PM – Rock Island - Performance Food Group, 8001 51st St. W, Rock Island
3:45 PM – Peoria - Brewer’s Distributing Company, 2421 W Townline Rd., Peoria
5:30 PM – Springfield - Flugenzi’s Restaurant, 1168 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield
Wednesday 4/12
09:45 AM – Quincy - Titan International, 2701 Spruce St, Quincy
11:35 AM – East Alton - High Flyer Grille, 16 Terminal Dr, East Alton
1:00 PM – Marion - Aisin, 11000 Aisin Dr, Marion
3:25 PM – Robinson - Tuscany Restaurant, 1500 W. Locust Ln., Robinson
5:15 PM – Champaign - HL Precision Manufacturing, 2110 Round Barn Rd, Champaign
