Who TF is Running For Illinois Governors Office??

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Republicans:

Declared

• William J. Kelly, television producer and perennial candidate

  • A native Chicagoan, entrepreneur, and journalist for several papers. He has created RevDigital, an Emmy award-winning production company; came in second for comptroller in 2010 (person that controls the $); large proponent of freedom of speech/the press; wants to replace Rauner with a “real republican”

• Bruce Rauner, incumbent Governor

  • American businessman (was the chairman of GTCR,) philanthropist, and politician. Since being in office he has Created Intersect Illinois, a private economic development entity; reformed EDGE (a tax credit program,) blocked tax raises, launched a health and human services commission to improve care.

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Democrats:

• Daniel Biss, State Senator

  • A self-proclaimed progressive. Math professor and legislator; currently represents 9th district of Illinois in the state senate; for a progressive tax rate and changing education funding (right now it is based on local property taxes.) Pushes for free community college, raised minimum wage.

• Bob Daiber, Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools

  • Has been a public official in government and education for 38 years on the south side of the state, believing their voices need to be heard too. He is a strong advocate for public education (served as regional superintendent and created programs for at-risk youth,) local government, and organized labor.

• Chris Kennedy, former Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and member of the Kennedy family

  • Entrepreneur. The Kennedy family owned Merchandise Mart and other developments that have brought businesses to Chicago. Has done a lot of work with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (US’s largest food bank,) and with food security. Talks a lot about the American Dream and funding schools and healthcare.

• Ameya Pawar, Chicago Alderman

  • Another self-proclaimed progressive and social justice advocate. Current alderman and son of Indian immigrants. Has lead efforts for Chicago paid sick leave ordinance, the creation of an independent budget office, the passage of one the nation’s strongest anti-wage theft ordinances, and the preservation of affordable housing.

• J. B. Pritzker, venture capitalist and philanthropist

  • Entrepreneur. led the creation of a non-profit small business incubator called 1871, bringing tech jobs to Illinois. Passionate about early childhood education and breakfast programs. Helped establish Holocaust museum and support the Center for Wrongful Convictions.

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​Independent/ Third Party:

• Randy Stufflebeam (Constitution)

  • His stances are based upon Constitutional principles and morals that are based upon Biblical precepts. He is pro-life, does not believe in global warming, wants to support domestic farmers, wants to eliminate income tax and the IRS, believes in state sovereignty.

• Grayson "Kash" Jackson (Libertarian)

  • Served in the Navy for 20 years. Recently traveled 3,000 miles across the country to spread awareness about family courts issues with his Restoring Freedom movement.

• Matthew C. Scaro (Libertarian)

  • Traveler and self-employed entrepreneur. Says that although he is not wealthy, he can relate to average citizens because he is one. Believes state budget reform is the biggest issue facing the state and recommends abolishing taxes on small businesses, as well as the income tax and the estate tax.

• Jon Stewart (Libertarian)

  • Former republican that came to the libertarian party in 2011. Supports investing in charter schools. Backed Trump over Johnson. He cites his experience in political campaigns, his track record of getting media attention, and his personal wealth and fundraising.

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Your voice has the most IMPACT on the local level so don't neglect to vote for officials that truly represent what you want!