ROCKFORD - Multiple negative stories are circulating the web about Chicago businessman Bruce Rauner's business dealings that have yet to be picked up by Chicago mainstream media. The stories, which seem to have common links to known political enemies of Rauner, are making their way to political personalities in the State Capitol, such as State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford).
Sunday morning on his personal Facebook page Syverson, who has publicly endorsed his Senate colleague Kirk Dillard for governor, referred to a story about Rauner's GTCR owning a nursing care provider and suspicions about the provider's care of the elderly. Syverson is concerned that Democrats will attack Rauner as they did Mitt Romney about investments his company made over the years:
Syverson then linked to a story in the Quincy Journal written by Chicagoan Doug Ibendahl, who at one time worked closely with Family Taxpayer Network founder Jack Roeser. Roeser has endorsed Rauner for the 2014 GOP primary and promotes Rauner through his PAC, his radio appearances with Joe Walsh, and on his news aggregating blog Champion News.
The nursing home story Syverson refers to is among other stories critical of Rauner authored by Doug Ibendahl, Bill Kelly and Jon Zahm. Kelly and Zahm deny they are working for any candidate.