CHICAGO: The $100 million race for Illinois Governor won by a relatively unknown Republican entity Bruce Rauner defeating incumbent Democratic contender Pat Quinn had some surprises and a few lessons.
Illinois is a traditionally Democratic State and Pat Quinn had marshaled the support of two US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton besides First ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, and yet he lost to a relative newcomer Bruce Raunder
The other surprise was that Bruce Rauner could muster the support of trainload Democrat votes in Indian and Pakistani community. The Indian American Republican Organization headed by Nimesh Jani was a recently set up entity while the United Muslims Moving Ahead (UMMA) headed by Moeen Khan decided to support Bruce Rauner as many in the community felt that it is time or a change.
The cleavage among Indian supporters and unqualified support from many a Muslim voter was considered disturbing by the Quinn campaign staff but it indicated that the support from traditional backers should not be taken for granted.
The margin of victory for Bruce Rauner was not that high – four to five percent – and that underlines importance of each and every vote. There are over 300,000 of Indian descent living in Illinois. The Muslims from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other areas could be 500,000. This has become an important group that cannot be ignored, says Madhu Patel, president of NRI Press Club.
Political analysts say that this was a clear indication of the frustration felt by Illinois residents who were highly upset at the handling of the State affairs, especially economy, by the Quinn government.
Huge budget deficit triggered by pension liability, a hike in Income tax, and highly unfriendly business environment drove businesses from Illinois to other States mainly Indiana. It made voters think twice about the competence of Quinn to address the situation, pointed out Nimesh Jani of IARO.
It was also a message to the top brass of Illinois politicians, mainly Mike Madign, whose heavy controlling of Illinois House and John Cullerton, the Senate Majority leader, who many feel impeded smooth functioning of the government. The people wanted a change and they secured it.
Harish Rao
