Will County Gazette

Mickey Straub says Gov. Bruce Rauner is out.

“The way I see it, the governor has three strikes,” Straub told the Will County Gazette. “For conservatives, by signing HB40 alone, he expanded government, increased taxes and violated religious liberties. There’s no coming back from that.”

Straub, who recently launched his campaign to unseat Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) in the 82nd District, was charged to hear that Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) is collecting signatures in preparation for a possible run against Rauner in the primary.

Mickey Straub

As part of the process, Ives has also installed former Rep. Rich Morthland as her running mate and Chicago GOP Chairman Chris Cleveland as her campaign chairman.

“That’s one of the best pieces of news I’ve heard all year,” Straub, the mayor of Burr Ridge mayor, said of Ives' possible candidacy. “Her candidacy increases the likelihood of the base being fired up enough to go out and win the nine seats we need to oust (Democrat House Speaker Mike) Madigan from power.”

Beyond that, Straub said the 52-year-old Ives has a proven track record In Springfield that includes standing up for conservative principles.

“She will be my candidate,” he said. “She’s exactly what the state needs. I would love to help her. The race just became a lot more meaningful for me. This is our one chance to turn Illinois back into a destination state.”  

Candidates for state office in Illinois must file their candidacy paperwork by Dec. 4.

HB40 bill, which Ives opposed, allows Medicaid recipients and state workers to receive state-funded abortions at any time for any reason in their pregnancy. Illinois is the first state to approve such legislation.

The 82nd District covers parts of Cook, DuPage and Will counties, including Darien, Homer Glen, Lemont and Willowbrook.