Rauner softens tone in Chicago campaign stop

Posted on September 13, 2018
Bruce Rauner
Gov. Bruce Rauner told a gathering in Chicago Thursday that he continues to learn and grow as governor. (Facebook/Bruce Rauner)

By Dave Dahl

CHICAGO – With just over seven weeks until Election Day, Gov. Rauner sounds as if he is trying to reset the race.

In a calm, contrite speech to supporters in Chicago Thursday, Rauner said the longer he’s governor, the better he gets.

“I stand before you today a man of no less courage,” he said, “but, perhaps, greater understanding.

“I’m a better governor now than when I took office because I’ve learned, and that makes me uniquely qualified to lead Illinois.”

Anybody looking for an apology Thursday would have to settle for Rauner’s comments that he lost sleep during the two-year budget standoff, and that all elected officials let Illinois down in not producing an agreement.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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