In March, just before legislators were scheduled to take a climactic vote on right-to-work legislation, Gov. Bruce Rauner dipped into his campaign fund. He doled out some $400,000 to Republican lawmakers.
The timing and size of the contributions raised eyebrows. After all, Rauner frequently accuses his Democratic rival, House Speaker Michael Madigan, of using campaign cash to keep legislators loyal.
Rauner repeated that accusation during an interview with Bloomington's WJBC radio Monday morning.
The governor then defended his own donations, saying athat, s head of the GOP, he's supporting members of his party. Then he hinted that more will be on the way.
"I'm supporting them this year. I'll support them every six months for as long as I'm governor," said Rauner. "That's my job and I'll always do that."
At least one Republican senator refused the money; others have yet to report it.
Rauner's spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his future contribution plans.
But his campaign account is sitting on nearly $20 million.
