West Central Reporter

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Rep. Jeanne Ives' (R-Wheaton) campaign train does not stop as she heads to Jacksonville on Tuesday for a meet and greet.

Ives, who is challenging Republican incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, will be at The Hamilton at 110 N. East St. at 6 p.m. She'll be open to the press for questions.

Ives has been tirelessly campaigning in her bid for governor, gathering almost 15,000 signatures to be on the ballot, three times more than needed. She has criticized Rauner's integrity after a series of controversial decisions, including approving a bill that used taxpayer funds to pay for abortions, supporting "sanctuary states," signing a budget compromise that raised taxes and failing to address property taxes. 

Among her supporters are Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills), The National Review publication and conservative groups such as the Wheatland Township Republican Organization.

"From Lake County to Effingham County, voters are looking for an honest option in the Republican primary, and a real challenge to the political class in government," Ives said in a press release. "I am prepared and resolved to stand with the families and businesses this state through thick and thin. Will it be easy? No. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.”

She has chosen Rich Morthland -- a former Rock Island representative -- as her running mate and Chicago GOP Chairman Chris Cleveland as chairman of her campaign.