By Mark Weyermuller -
The GOP primary race for governor is heating up in Illinois. Wednesday, over 250 supporters gathered in support of State Rep. Jeanne Ives, who is challenging incumbent governor Bruce Rauner. If Wednesday's event was any indication of Ives' growing support, the governor could have a race on his hands leading up to March 20th.
Keynote speaker Mike Gallagher energized Ives' supporters, saying, "It's time. It's time for the Illinois GOP to do what we've done nationally. I'm ecstatic [about Jeanne Ives]."
Governor Rauner upset much of the Republican base signing into law legislation that conflicted with the GOP platform.
Ives' fundraiser was a luncheon at the Westin Hotel in Lombard, Illinois. The featured speaker was radio talk show host Mike Gallagher, heard locally on WIND 560-AM. Gallagher spoke highly of Ives and President Donald Trump during his remarks.
The lunch was co-hosted by major donors Vince Kolber, Barb and Bill Dixon, and Tom Sodeika from Precision Payroll of America. Checks five digit checks to the Ives campaign has also been written by Otto Engineering Tom Roeser, Chicago Bears' owner Virginia McCaskey, and Digitech Principal Brian Timpone, among others.
