Candidates Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard are trying not to let the worsening feud between opponents Dan Rutherford and Bruce Rauner distract from other issues in the four-way race for the Republican nomination.
"I'll let Mr. Rauner and Mr. Rutherford have their own little spats. I'm truly focused on the economy of this state," Dillard said.
Last week, Treasurer Rutherford accused Rauner of orchestrating an unidentified state employee's unspecified complaint against Rutherford and demand for $300,00 because the attorney representing the worker was paid $3,500 by Rauner last summer.
"That's out there now. I want it to be known because that's not appropriate," Rutherford said.
"I don't know why Dan is slinging this out there. I don't know what these allegations are about. It's silly," Rauner said.
Attorney Christine Svenson, who said she is backing no candidate, insists her fee was for a real estate deal with Rauner. On WLS Radio, Svenson said a formal complaint against Rutherford alleging the employee was forced to do political work on state time is imminent.
"Right now we're focused on the First Amendment claim. We may be adding other claims," Svenson said.
Rutherford's office has its own investigation underway into the employee's complaint. With the Republican primary looming on March 18th, the treasurer could not say when the inquiry would be completed.
"We hope to have this resolved as soon as possible. I want it resolved as soon as possible," Rutherford said.
