Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner gave $10 million to his Citizens for Rauner fund at the end of 2014. (Photo courtesy Bruce Rauner)
By The Associated Press
CHICAGO – State filings show Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner has expanded his campaign war chest by more than $20 million to support "reformers" and compete with "special interests."
Illinois State Board of Elections records show that the Republican and two wealthy supporters donated most of the hefty sum in the final two days of 2014. That is less than two weeks before his inauguration.
The venture capitalist gave $10 million to his Citizens for Rauner fund. Fellow businessmen Ken Griffin contributed $8 million and Richard Uihlein contributed $2 million.
Rauner transition team spokesman Chip Englander says Rauner needs resources to compete with "special interest protectors of the status quo" in coming years.
Rauner ousted Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn in November after a bruising campaign which shattered state campaign funding records.
