Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says the state's Supreme Court is part of a "corrupt system'' because of the campaign donations justices receive from attorneys who argue cases before the court.
Rauner made the remark Tuesday before the editorial board of the Daily Herald in Arlington Heights. It came as the court considers arguments about a 2013 law that cut retirement benefits for state workers, teachers and retirees.
Rauner said he doesn't expect the justices to be rational in their decisions, adding he believes they're "activist judges who want to be legislators.''
Rauner added he favors merit selection of judges rather than elections. High court justices are elected to a first term then face recall elections every 10 years.
A spokesman for the Illinois Supreme Court declined to comment.
