Pritzker chooses Rep. Juliana Stratton as 2018 running mate
(AP) — Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker has selected state Rep. Juliana Stratton of Chicago to be his running mate in the 2018 election.
The billionaire businessman from Chicago said Thursday that Stratton has “taken on” Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and will fight for working and middle-class families statewide as his lieutenant governor.
Stratton won her first term in office last year with the help of an endorsement from President Barack Obama. She defeated Rep. Ken Dunkin in a Democratic primary that was seen as a proxy war between Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Pritzker is among several Democrats looking to unseat Rauner. Others seeking the Democratic nomination are businessman Chris Kennedy and state Sen. Daniel Biss.
Stratton is African-American and the first woman on any Democratic ticket.
Governor opens Ill. State Fair; ag chief treated after fall
(AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner has opened the 2017 Illinois State Fair .
The Republican cut the ribbon on the agricultural extravaganza Thursday. That’s a day earlier than usual. It preceded the “Twilight Parade” which traditionally kicks off the festivities.
Agriculture Department Director Raymond Poe tripped shortly after the ribbon cutting. The 73-year-old Springfield farmer fell backward on the Main Gate pavement. Witnesses said he struck his head.
He was conscious, sitting up and appeared alert as medical personnel examined him.
Rauner stayed with Poe until he was transported in a golf cart. Then Rauner and Lieutenant Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti (sang-wihn-NEH’-tee) walked the fairgrounds with Illinois County Fair Queen Claudia VanOpdorp .
The fair continues through Aug. 20. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children 12 and under get in free