News Local/State

Rutherford: Gov’s Rival Behind Staffer’s Allegations

 

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford says his office is investigating allegations against him made by an employee he suspects was put up to it by rival gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner.

Rutherford announced Friday that an employee has made "allegations of misconduct'' against him. The Chenoa Republican refused to release details, citing it as a personnel issue.
 
Rutherford says the staffer is represented by a lawyer who worked for Rauner.  He claims the attorney asked for $300,000 on the employee's behalf to "keep it under wraps.''
 
Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf says the claims are false.

He says the lawyer worked for Rauner briefly last spring but said the campaign never discussed anything regarding Rutherford with her.
 
Rutherford, Rauner and state Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard are seeking the Republican nomination.