The fight between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrat J.B. Pritzker to be Illinois’ next governor is getting personal. When they met in the first debate of the campaign on Thursday, Rauner said Pritzker lacked the character to hold public office. Pritzker retaliated by saying everything Rauner lists as accomplishments happened in spite of him, not because of him. State Sen. Sam McCann and Kash Jackson are also on the November ballot.

Host Becky Vevea talks with WBEZ’s Tony Arnold about what happened at the first debate.

Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week’s big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.