This morning, Conservative Party candidate Sam McCann formally entered the race for Governor of Illinois, dropping off more than 60,000 signed nominating petitions at the Illinois State Board of Elections. A challenge from Governor Bruce Rauner is almost a certainty, considering his weak showing among Republicans in the March Primary.
Also running are Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker, which Local 150 has endorsed, and Libertarian candidate Kash Jackson.
“For the last four years, Local 150 has been committed to making Bruce Rauner a one-term Governor,” said President-Business Manager James M. Sweeney. “We’ve endorsed J.B. Pritzker for Governor, and we also recognize that nearly half of our union is made up of members who pull Republican ballots in primary elections, so it is important that this part of our membership has a choice of candidate that does not force them to vote against good wages and strong union representation.”
McCann drew the ire of Governor Rauner two years ago for voting against his attempts to hamstring public employees. McCann’s Senate district covers a part of Springfield and is home to many union members employed in state government, so he has always balanced conservative beliefs with support for unions and working people.