Dupage Policy Journal

Gubernatorial candidate Gary Rabine wants to bring Illinois back to no. 1 in terms of safety, tax fighting, and job creation.

"We're the biggest losers when it comes to violence. We're the biggest losers when it comes to the highest taxes and when it comes to the highest unfunded pension liabilities," Rabine said at the Peoria and Woodford County Republican Party's Central Illinois GOP Governor Candidate Forum on April 25. "The result is the loss of freedom and more Illinoisans are losing jobs. I hate to lose. I'll fight to make sure we're number one in safety, tax fighting, job creation and bringing people back to Illinois."

Rabine reminded the audience of his fight against COVID mandates.

"Forty years of building businesses has given me an understanding of what regulation is doing to our businesses. I want to be a free and fighting governor who can reform this state," Rabine said. "I know what it takes to fight for freedom. I recently picked a fight with Biden about his unconstitutional vaccine mandate and we fought that all the way to the Supreme Court and on Jan. 14 we won. This win was a critical knockout. Because of this, COVID-19 mandates across America came tumbling down. This gave vaccine freedom to over 80 million Americans. We have forgotten how to compete in Illinois."

According to the Daily Herald, Rabine's efforts to knock challenger Jesse Sullivan from the ballot was shot down by the Illinois State Board of Elections. The board dismissed Rabine's allegations of Sullivan not having enough valid petition signatures, citing a lack of evidence. "Board rules do not provide for an objector to simply make a shotgun allegation, waive all opportunity to present evidence himself, and ... expect the board to investigate and find him evidence to support his objection," the hearing officer stated.

Rabine is a businessman and has built more than 30 businesses in the state. According to his campaign website,  all of his businesses are leaders in green initiatives and environmental innovation. The site said The Rabine Group headquarters, which also houses Rabine University, won an award for being the most environmentally-friendly building.

Rabine has raised $1.1 million since Jan. 1, Paul Schimpf has raised $79,000, Max Solomon has raised $8,500, Jesse Sullivan has raised $1.3 million, and Darren Bailey has raised $1.3 million. 

The primary election is scheduled for June 28.