The Latest Breaking News from Gary Rabine

Even before the primary votes are in, a pitched battle is brewing over cultural issues between the GOP and Democrats

CHICAGO — In the final weekend before Tuesday’s primary election, the disparity in campaigning between Republicans running for governor and the Democratic incumbent they hope to replace foreshadows a fall general election campaign in which culture wars will likely take center stage.

Chicago Tribune · Jun 27, 2022

Republican candidates for governor say ‘historic’ overturn of Roe v. Wade signals ‘battle for life ... moves right here to Illinois’

Republican Jesse Sullivan declared, “What a beautiful day.” GOP frontrunner Darren Bailey called the Supreme Court ruling “historic and welcomed.” If either wins in November, he’d likely still face Democrats in Springfield determined to keep the state’s abortion laws and even try to expand them.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 24, 2022

The future of the Illinois GOP — and how far right it may go — lies with this month’s primary

CHICAGO — More than just picking nominees for governor and other offices, Illinois Republicans’ choices this June 28 primary also will determine the GOP’s future and whether the state party’s gradual move to the right in recent years will accelerate.

Chicago Tribune · Jun 21, 2022

Republican Richard Irvin goes on defense against Darren Bailey, other primary rivals in ABC 7 debate

Bailey frequently interrupted Irvin and the others as they spoke. At one point, during a question about COVID-19 mandates, Bailey told Irvin he shouldn’t be elected governor because he’s a “corrupt Democrat.” Irvin fired back, “I won’t be lectured by someone like Darren Bailey who had a mask…

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 3, 2022

Irvin, Bailey to square off on TV in first debate with all six Republican candidates

The debate Thursday evening will be the first chance for voters to see the apparent frontrunners, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, go head-to-head.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 31, 2022

GOP gubernatorial debates: Bailey calls Chicago ‘a crime-ridden, corrupt, dysfunctional hellhole’

It was a bleak picture painted by the half of the GOP primary field — venture capitalist Jesse Sullivan, businessman Gary Rabine and state Sen. Darren Bailey — who squared off during a live debate hosted by WGN-TV.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 25, 2022

Republican Richard Irvin says he’s not hiding behind his TV ads — or Ken Griffin’s millions

Irvin is a good in-person politician, a side of him that many in the Chicago area haven’t gotten to see so far. A “Meet Richard” tab on his campaign website features photos, his biography and an option to contribute to his campaign, but no information about public events.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022

Illinois Republican candidates for governor see ‘hope for Illinois’ in expected reversal of Roe v. Wade

Most of the state’s Republican candidates for governor offered exuberant praise for the anticipated decision upending abortion protections — but the GOP establishment pick declined to weigh in on the political tripwire.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 4, 2022

Pritzker vows Illinois will remain ‘beacon of hope’ for women after leak of Supreme Court draft opinion on abortion

Abortion would be made illegal in 26 states, including neighboring Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, if the landmark case is overturned, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 3, 2022

Republican Darren Bailey picks up support from anti-abortion leaders — and millions from mega donor Dick Uihlein

The endorsements from Illinois Family Action, Illinois Federation for Right to Life and Illinois Citizens for Life come a day after Bailey reported a $2.5 million campaign contribution from Dick Uihlein, bringing the total the Lake Forest businessman has donated to $3,525,000.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 21, 2022