By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General pledges her independence despite Gov. Bruce Rauner’s endorsement.

Visiting the McLean County Fair Friday night, Erika Harold said she has many disagreements with the Republican governor, including his signing into a law a bill expanding taxpayer support for abortions to include women on Medicaid and state employee insurance.

“I support legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use. There are a host of other things that we disagree upon,” Harold said.

“For example, he’s talked about wanting to bring back the death penalty. I strongly disagree with that,” she added.

Harold’s Democratic opponent, State Sen. Kwame Raoul, recently received the endorsement of former President Barack Obama. Harold, who’s from Urbana, said she’s seeking no particular endorsement, including from President Trump.

“There’s no particular person’s endorsement that I’m seeking. I’m focused on running a race that’s consistent with what the attorney general does, which is to be an independent constitutional officer, hold both parties accountable, and be able to defend Illinois’ laws and constitution,” Harold said.

Harold is an Urbana lawyer, a Harvard Law School graduate, and former Miss America.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]