Governor-elect Bruce Rauner has been busily preparing to take the reins of Illinois’ government since defeating Democratic Governor Pat Quinn on November 4th.
Rauner has been dealing with a rush of job-seekers, a leaky roof at the governor’s mansion and hard feelings among opponents he now must deal with.
Former Governor Jim Edgar says selecting smart and experienced advisers is the “first and most important” task for any governor-elect.
Rauner says he trying to get a handle on the state’s “horrible” budget situation. However, his plans include staging a “big party” to celebrate “our great state” at his inauguration.
The Winnetka Republican will replace Quinn on January 12th. The state hasn’t seen a transition from a governor of one party to another since Democrat Rod Blagojevich succeeded Republican George Ryan in 2003.