Today’s number: $1.5 million in RGA cash
Wednesday, Apr 9, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From yesterday’s twitters…
* Sun-Times…
For the second consecutive month, the Republican Governors Association plowed $750,000 into Bruce Rauner’s gubernatorial bid, for a total of $1.5 million since the political newcomer clinched the GOP nomination in March.
It’s a sign that there will be no shortage of resources in this gubernatorial race. The RGA was a major player in 2010 and will be again — despite Rauner’s own resources. Rauner, a multi-millionaire, has put $6 million into his own campaign. He far outraised — and outspent — his three opponents in the primary. The Democratic Governors Association is sure to be a major player as well in its efforts to back Gov. Pat Quinn’s reelection.
Hours after Rauner’s victory in March, the RGA wired over a $750,000 donation to Rauner, who has already aired two TV ads, one in Spanish and one elevating his wife, Diana Rauner.
The Tribune’s campaign contribution Twitter feed is really helpful, which is why it’s featured here on the blog. There are days when campaign nuts are just focusing solely on that particular box in our center column. I love it.
- Almost the Weekend - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 11:44 am:
Smart investment by the RGA
If Rauner wins: I imagine him donating a large amount to the RGA in 2016 and in years to come. Also, the benefit of him hosting fundraiser on their behalf.
If Rauner loses: I imagine him donating a large amount to the RGA in 2016 and in years to come. Also, the benefit of him hosting fundraiser on their behalf as a partner at GTCR.
Important side note as well. Rauner’s communication director used to be the Communications Director for the RGA, so that is always helpful and might be why they have already given $1.5 million.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 11:45 am:
I know I look at that feed constantly to see if a new tweet pops up, and for who. Good on the twitter, and good on having it up here.
Always getting better here.
- Hans Sanity - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 11:51 am:
It looks like Bernard Shcoenburg’s work at the Springfield State Journal is helpful, too. Rauner doesn’t even have to show up for interviews on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight. Just bring in someone form the Illinois Policy Institute or Illinois News Network.
- CircularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 11:56 am:
So Mr. Shake It Up, Mitt Rauner is taking Chris Christie’s Dirty Money?
That sounds encouraging Not thinking on your fee Mitt.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 12:28 pm:
The RGA considers this investment a good one. Perhaps they anticipate a need to match Quinn spending our money on “grants” this time.
- CircularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 12:36 pm:
Opps feet
- Siriusly - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 12:51 pm:
Circular - how is RGA / Chris Christie money dirty? That’s just name calling on your part - not really funny or logical.
That number only means something if its way more than they gave to Brady in 2012. Otherwise, I would suspect it is a normal amount for them.
- Siriusly - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 12:58 pm:
2010 I meant to say
- the Patriot - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 2:35 pm:
I see no way Quinn can spend less than 20 million and win this race. Has there been any discussion among the unions to tossing in a 3rd candidate? Why spend so much money on a 50/50 guy you hate. Most people hate Quinn, but are scared of Rauner. A third candidate that has 15 million in union money and support would have equal chance. Most republicans are still in the against Quinn crowd rather than the for Ruaner crowd.
Get the unions, pick off some republicans and win with 40% in a 3 way race.
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 2:55 pm:
Siriusly, probably something about a bridge or sarcasm about him not being a purist.
I wonder would they have helped more if Truax had won.
- bored now - Wednesday, Apr 9, 14 @ 3:18 pm:
the rga raised $23.5 M in the first quarter: “the committee has nearly $60 million in the bank in a critical election year, with 36 races.” sounds like it will be contributing hefty funds everywhere…