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Rauner Forced to Apologize for Bad-Mouthing Champaign-Urbana, But Somehow Fails

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Rauner Claims Words Were “Taken Out of Context”

One day after WCIA reported that Governor Bruce Rauner “appeared to blame the people of Champaign-Urbana for big technology companies leaving the state,” Rauner sort of apologized to community leaders for his remarks following a fierce backlash. But, unable to take full responsibility for anything, Rauner also claimed that “my statements got taken out of context.”
Really? Here’s Rauner talking about tech jobs leaving Illinois last week:

“There’s several reasons, but part of the reason is, Champaign-Urbana is wonderful, but it’s very hard to keep a company of more than six people there. There’s no convenient transportation, not much of a workforce. It’s very hard.

Rauner’s comment drew instant and overwhelming rebuke from community and economic leaders, including one Republican state Senator who called for Rauner to apologize. Well, he got half of one.
“Amazing. Bruce Rauner cannot even apologize for badmouthing our state and workers without trying to dodge responsibility,” said  DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Rauner got caught dissing Champaign-Urbana just like he bashes Illinois in what is just a desperate attempt to distract from his three years of failed leadership.”