Businessman and Illinois Republican gubernatorial challenger Bruce Rauner received major newspaper endorsements following Thursday's debate.
The Chicago Tribune endorsed Rauner, saying:
Illinois must change direction. This state faces enormous financial and economic perils going forward. ... We'd rather have a governor with Rauner's outsider moxie.
Crain's Chicago Business also endorsed Rauner:
Illinois has been on the wrong path for years, going back to a time before Democrats reclaimed the governor's office. With an independently minded Mr. Rauner, we now have a chance to change course.
The Daily Herald announced its endorsement of Rauner on October 4.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) and Rauner will debate twice more. The candidates will meet again in Chicago on October 14 and 16.