By John Dempsey, WLS-AM News

(CHICAGO)  A new poll has some bleak news for Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner.    The poll from the market research company Morning Consult finds that Rauner is tied for fifth least popular Governor in America, with an approval rating of just 30 percent.    The poll finds that Rauner’s disapproval rating is 55 percent with 15 percent undecided.   Rauner’s support has dropped 16 points from the last Morning Consult poll, which was conducted in the second quarter of 2017.    This poll was conducted in the third quarter, between July 1st and September 30th.

This past summer a number of Republican lawmakers defied Rauner to side with Democrats in voting to override his veto of an income tax increase.   Rauner also angered members of his conservative Republican base by signing a bill expanding abortion rights in Illinois.

Wheaton Republican State Representative Jeanne Ives has announced she will challenge Rauner in the March 2018 Republican primary.

Rauner formally announced his re-election bid last week.    Reacting to criticism from conservatives on the abortion issue, Rauner told “The Big John and Ramblin’ Ray Show” last month,  “Well you know, reasonable people can reasonably disagree.  I’m pro-choice.  I respect those who are pro-life very passionately and I’ve supported many many pro-life people and candidates.  Reasonable people can reasonably disagree.  As Ronald Reagan said, we’re a big tent.  As Ronald Reagan said, we don’t speak ill of our fellow Republicans.”

Ives told Big John and Ramblin’ Ray it is telling that Rauner would go back on his word on such a major issue.

“You cannot trust him” Ives said.   “He’s failed the integrity test.  And even venture capitalist Rauner would have fired Governor Rauner by now.”

See the entire Morning Consult findings here.

@ 2017 WLS-AM News