Governor Bruce Rauner is questioning the independence of some Cook County judges from Democratic politicians.
Governor Rauner Wednesday lamented the power of the Democratic Machine in Illinois.
He suggested there was a political influence behind a recent Cook County judge’s decision, rejecting a November ballot initiative that would change how legislative boundaries are drawn.
"They don’t want you to vote because they know you’ll want it. And you’ll take the power away from the Machine. They don’t want that vote, so they’re in court. And that Machine elects a lot of those judges. This is Illinois."
The remap measure is now before the state Supreme Court.
Rauner later told reporters he’s found a way around The Machine’s influence.
He didn’t explain what he meant but - he’s given more than 6 million dollars of his own money to political organizations this year.
Democrats say Gov. Rauner and the Illinois GOP are "trying to escape (Donald) Trump."
Steve Brown is spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan and the Democratic Party of Illinois. He says Trump will be a drag on the GOP ticket this fall in Illinois, where polls show Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is a heavy favorite.
He also says Republicans aren't advancing any new ideas.
Democrats will have their own day at the fairgrounds in Springfield on Thursday.
