Governor Bruce Rauner was in Marion Tuesday to receive the endorsement of advocates of the second amendment.
At the Marion American Legion Post, Rauner said he's proud to be endorsed by the Illinois State Rifle Association; the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois; gun dealers across the state and supporters of conceal carry.
"I'm a lifelong hunter. I'm a gun owner. I'm a defender of the second amendment. It's one of our most important constitutional rights. It's very important to families, citizens across the State of Illinois, especially here in southern Illinois."
Rauner said restricting the rights of gun owners will not enhance public safety. He said getting more school resource officers and truth in sentencing laws will boost safety for students and the general public.
He said the solution to gun violence is tied to jobs with apprenticeships and more vocational training in high schools
"Gun regulations are not the answer to violence. The real issue is economic opportunity and more investment in education. I have achieved record funding for schools and a new funding formula, so small school districts, rural school districts here in southern Illinois are getting a lot more money."
Rauner said this election will determine if Illinois gets massive new taxes from the democrats or a chance to continue his fight for lower taxes and more jobs.
Rauner said he is a much better candidate for southern Illinois than his democratic challenger, J.B. Pritzker.
"I'm an advocate for the coal industry. I'm an advocate for fracking of oil and gas. My opponent has funded Obama and Clinton's war on coal and war on traditional energy sources that hurts the southern Illinois economy."
Rauner said he wants to increase jobs in southern Illinois by reducing taxes and regulatory burdens on businesses and stopping the flow of illegal immigrants, who Rauner said is taking jobs from union and farm workers in the state.
