Wheatland Township Republicans endorse Jeanne Ives for governor

The Wheatland Township Republican Precinct Committeemen "overwhelmingly" voted to endorse someone other than Bruce Rauner for governor of Illinois.

The group decided to formally endorse Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton, according to a press release from Wheatland Township Republican Organization Chairman Stephen Collins.

Ives represents the 42nd District which includes all or parts of Wheaton, Warrenville, West Chicago, Winfield, Carol Stream, Lisle and Naperville. She is a graduate of West Point, a U.S. Army veteran and she previously served on the Wheaton City Council.

Ives announced last month she was running to challenge Rauner for the Republican nomination for governor.

"We made this decision based on our current governor's track record that has provided no financial relief to the overburdened families and businesses in the Wheatland Township," the press release stated. "While we understand the hurdles faced by any fiscally responsible public official in the State of Illinois, we have not witnessed the political maturity that is needed to affect the 'Turnaround' agenda."

The WTRO also cited Rauner's inability to keep his word on not pushing a social agenda. Rauner came under fire from fellow Republicans after signing an abortion law in September.

"We have consistently witnessed Jeanne Ives standing up for the interest of families and business," the release stated. "Additionally she has kept the promise that she made to her constituents, to be a 'lobbyist for the taxpayer.'"