Rockford Sun

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) has endorsed Gov. Bruce Rauner's re-election bid, citing his accomplishments on school funding, government spending and reform.

Rauner faces several potential challengers for the Republican nomination, including Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), Sen. Sam McCann (R-Plainview) and William Kelly. 

Interest has risen among the conservative base for an alternative candidate because of some actions by Rauner that have been called a betrayal to the party's ideals.

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford)

Syverson remains unswayed by such arguments, instead highlighting Rauner’s track record while in office.

“Even with strong opposition from some Chicago leaders, the governor has made huge progress in school funding, getting spending under control, [and] reforming government agencies,” Syverson told the Rockford Sun. “In addition, his work on finally getting the state agencies all on one computer system was long overdue and will save the state hundreds of millions of dollars once fully implemented. Lastly, the work being done to keep and attract good, high-paying jobs is vital to our state’s future.”

Ives, who is circulating a nominating petition but has yet to officially announce her candidacy, accused “top political leaders” of lying to Illinoisans about their intentions, possibly a veiled criticism of Rauner.

According to a Chicago Tribune report, Rauner drew ire from his Republican base for signing the controversial HB40, which increases public funding for abortions for state workers and women on Medicaid. The Chicago Sun-Times noted that Rauner also displeased some Republican allies when he signed the Illinois TRUST Act, which some criticize as creating a “sanctuary state” in Illinois.

While Syverson acknowledged that the Rauner might diverge from Republicans in some areas, he praised Rauner’s commitment to traditional Republican ideals.

“Illinois is a diverse state with a high number of independent voters,” Syverson said. “There may be some single issues of which the Republicans differ, but the governor stands strong on the core issues that bind Republicans: smaller government, personal responsibly and that a state can grow its way into prosperity; it cannot tax its way.”