Rauner picks up support as Quinn draws attention to nursing home bankruptcy trial

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In the race for Illinois governor, Republican Bruce Rauner has picked up support among some African American ministers in Chicago as Gov. Pat Quinn tries to draw attention to a nursing home bankruptcy trial that has ties to Rauner's investment firm.

Surrounded by the ministers, venture capitalist Rauner promised to develop African American-owned businesses.

"I've been financing companies my whole life. I know how to do that. I'll get that done," said Rauner.

The pastors said they're convinced that unemployment, crime and schools have worsened under the leadership of Gov. Pat Quinn.

"They cut us out. So we must not be taken for granted," said Rev. Dr. Willie Wilson, a Rauner supporter.

"You want the black vote? You need to earn the black vote," said Rev. Robert Patterson, a Rauner supporter.

There was tension outside MacArthur's Restaurant as the guests arrived in the heavily-Democratic Austin neighborhood.

"You can buy a Baptist preacher in this day and age for $100 and a soul food dinner," said a protester.

"I don't know any pastor who has been offered any money or any pastor who has accepted any money," said Rev. Stephen Thurston, a Rauner supporter.

Also on Monday, the governor helped break ground for the $240 million, 95th Street transit hub on the predominantly black South Side.

"I think it's also important to understand that it's a diverse workforce that's going to make this happen," said Gov. Pat Quinn, D-Illinois.

The governor's campaign tried to shift the conversation to the Chicago Tribune story Monday morning on the Florida bankruptcy trial of a nursing home company sued for the abuse and wrongful deaths of patients. The company was owned by Rauner's investment firm GTCR.

"The courts will sort out all the facts. I'm confident that no one at GTCR was involved in any inappropriate behavior," said Rauner.

"Bruce Rauner has said that he's a businessman who wants to run Illinois like a business, yet he's taken no responsibility for this business," said Brooke Anderson, Quinn campaign.

The bankruptcy trial involving Trans Healthcare began Monday morning in Tampa. A judge will decide if the firm Rauner headed and other defendants unlawfully used bankruptcy to avoid paying lawsuit damages. There's no guarantee the judge will rule in the case before the November 4 election.