Durbin Takes On Gov. Rauner At Illinois Fair

Durbin Takes On Gov. Rauner At Illinois Fair

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Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is blasting Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s turnaround agenda as a “complete disaster for Illinois.”

Durbin spoke Thursday during Democrats’ Day at the Illinois State Fair. Republicans had events on Wednesday.

Durbin says the lack of a full budget agreement has left downstate communities, particularly those home to universities, in a “virtual recession.”

He also responded to questions about interest in a 2018 gubernatorial run. Rauner has said he plans to seek re-election.

Durbin says he already has a “great job” in Washington and thinks he can help the state more as a U.S. senator. He also says that he’s not going to “engage in speculation” during the 2016 election cycle.

Rauner’s spokeswoman didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.