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Why won’t the governor speak up about the ERA?

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Illinois

As state lawmakers delay a vote on the Equal Rights Amendment, the Democrat running against Gov. Bruce Rauner is pushing him to say where he stands on it. […]

The Rauner campaign responded with this statement: “The Governor supports equal rights for everyone.”

* Sun-Times…

Democrats have clearly calculated that bringing up the ERA at this time puts Republicans, especially Rauner, in a tough spot.

For the governor, declaring himself in favor of the amendment would risk further alienating the conservative wing of the Republican Party that he is trying to win back after a divisive primary election against Rep. Jeanne Ives.

Conservative Republicans argue the ERA would open the way for government-paid abortions and co-ed prisons, which ERA supporters deny.

But openly opposing the ERA would hurt Rauner’s chances with women voters, particularly the suburban independent women who provided an important part of his winning coalition in 2014.

* ABC 7…

With concerns about taking any stand that might further anger his base this election year, Governor Rauner has refused to directly support the Amendment.

“I’ve made my position clear, I support equal rights for everyone,” Rauner said.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 10:35 am

Comments

Because he’s pretty much incapable of giving a direct response to any question?

Comment by JoanP Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 10:45 am
“Bruce has no social agenda” - Diana Rauner

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 10:46 am
well, there’s the reality that the Legislature has sole authority to adopt or reject amendments to the US Constitution. If I’m the COS for Bruce Rauner, my advice to anyone is, “The Governor is for equal rights for everyone” and stay the hell away from this.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 11:20 am
LOL
Because the ERA is as relevant as the AMC Pacer as a constitutional amendment?

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 11:41 am
if you are for equal rights, then support the legislation. every time I read stories about this not passing, it is depressing.

Comment by amalia Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 11:48 am
If you are in fact for equal rights for everyone, does that mean you support the ERA, Governor? If you do support it, then why not show some leadership and use your considerable influence with the GOP caucuses to get it ratified?

Comment by anon2 Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 12:53 pm
–Why won’t the governor speak up about the ERA?–

He’s not yellow, he’s chicken….

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 3:19 pm
After all anon2, he is the leader of the Party.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 17, 18 @ 4:27 pm