Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) has ended her backing of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s election bid in the wake of his signing of a measure to expand abortion in Illinois.

“This was a litmus test, and he has clearly failed it,” Ives told the DuPage Policy Journal. “From this point forward, we will be trying to find another nominee to run against him or convincing him not to run. But if he is on the ballot in 2018, I will skip over his name.”

House Bill 40, which became law on Thursday, allows Illinois residents on Medicaid or those working for the state to receive free abortions for any reason until the last day of their pregnancy. Before Rauner's signature, Illinois law stipulated that Medicaid recipients were eligible for abortions only in cases of rape, incest, health and life of the mother.

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton)

During his 2014 campaign run, Rauner vowed that he would "have no social agenda" if elected, but also has argued that he has always supported abortion rights.

“I think he ends up listening to the wrong people, but clearly this also has to be some of what his core values are,” Ives said. “I think it’s disgraceful to all the voters that have supported him. This legislation does not stand up to the Republican values of that constituency.”

Ives warned GOP voters about politicians who might try to paint any other picture.

“All the latest polls tell you that Republicans have universally rejected the idea of taxpayer-funded abortions,” she said.

Rauner’s decision makes him the country’s first governor to sign off on taxpayer funding of abortions. Illinois Right to Life estimates the law will cost Illinois taxpayers approximately $1.8 million to fund.

Ives demurred when asked whom the GOP might turn to in place of Rauner.

“There are a number of conservative leaders in Illinois that articulate our values as true Republicans,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how this race plays out.”