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Rauner Seeks To Unite GOP After Squeaking Out Primary Win

Nam Y. Huh
/
AP
Gov. Bruce Rauner on election night Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in Chicago.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is seeking "common ground" with Republicans on divisive issues after barely surviving an insurgent challenge in Tuesday's election.

Rauner said his 19,000-vote victory over state Rep. Jeanne Ives in the GOP primary has confirmed for him the need to "bridge the divides."

He told reporters Thursday after a campaign kickoff at a Springfield sign-making company that focusing on "what unites us" is key to victory. That includes lowering property and income taxes and imposing political term limits.

“We are working right now, every day to find bridges on issues that divide us. My primary focus is on what unites us. That’s the key to changing the state. That’s the key to victory," he said.

He said Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker is in cahoots with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. Rauner says nemesis Madigan is part of a "Mafia protection racket" by getting rich off of legal work reducing property tax assessments. Madigan has said he follows the law and strict ethical standards.

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