Gov. Rauner’s latest public statements about African-Americans have again drawn the ire of the Legislative Black Caucus.
Rauner started his Friday on Springfield radio station WTAX and was asked about the caucus’ negative reaction to his earlier statement on Chicago radio station WVON that he’s the best governor black Illinoisans have ever had.
“I’m not surprised they’re sensitive,” Rauner said, “because black legislators really have not been serving their community very well. They’ve been too loyal to (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) and his machine. The reality is the black community has been suffering in Illinois under the policies of Madigan and his majority for decades: high unemployment, high taxes, lack of economic opportunity, lack of educational opportunity.”
“We can speak for ourselves. We can represent our own communities, and we can – and we will – vote you out in November,” said State Rep. Juliana Stratton (D-Chicago). “Thank you, governor. We’re motivated as hell.”
Stratton is the running mate of Democratic challenger JB Pritzker.
