Revisiting Rauner’s Failed Record in Past Governor’s Days

Today is Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair and unfortunately for Governor Bruce Rauner, the day always provided a perfect snapshot into his record of failed governance. Rauner’s flair for budgetary crises and his complicated relationship with Trump always brought drama to the annual tradition as showcased by past news headlines:

• 2015 – “Protesters Rally At Illinois State Fair On Rauner’s First ‘Governor’s Day’”: Rauner’s first “Governor’s Day” was interrupted by people protesting Rauner’s budget crisis, which would continue for two more years, driving up debt and devastating social services.
• 2016 – “Trump An Awkward Topic At Illinois State Fair GOP Day”: Rauner’s awkward dance with Trump was on full display at the 2016 fair when Rauner refused to endorse his party’s leader. ABC7 reported that Trump supporters were “losing patience” with Rauner’s reluctance to talk Trump. What foreshadowing!
• 2017 – “School Funding Hangs Over Governor’s Day At State Fair”: NBC5 reported that “Governor’s Day” was not “celebratory” as schools wondered if they could open after Rauner caused another crisis with his veto pen.

This year, Rauner celebrates Governor’s Day as the head of a divided party, suffering from rock bottom approval ratings, and still unable to figure out his relationship with Donald Trump.
“With time running out on his failing campaign, Bruce Rauner will remember this Governor’s Day as his last,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Three years of budget crises and failed leadership have Rauner’s reelection campaign melting away faster than a butter cow in a hot sun.”