Quinn, Rauner deliver well-polished messages 2 days before election

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The campaigning is nearly over and soon voters will cast their ballots, but Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and his Republican challenger Bruce Rauner still have some time to try and convince voters that they are the right person to lead the state for the next four years.

Governor Quinn and Mr. Rauner have waged two of the most negative campaigns in state history. So perhaps they needed the time in church Sunday.

By mid-afternoon Sunday in the seventh of eight church services on his schedule, Governor Quinn was still in praise mode.

"This faith we hold dear is our rock," he said. "This pastor is our rock."

Most of the churches had predominantly African-American congregations. The Democratic governor, who dominated the black vote in 2010, promoted his support this year for an increase in the minimum wage.

"It's important that we pay people who work hard a decent wage," Quinn said.

Earlier, it was a subdued reception for Rauner and wife Diana, when they were greeted at the church of prominent African American Rauner supporter, the Reverend Stephen Thurston.

"Thank God's grace for sustaining us and bringing us to this day," Diana Rauner said.

To polite applause, the Winnetka couple stressed their commitment to improving education.

"I'm running to accomplish many goals but one of them is to have the best public schools in America for every family in every neighborhood," said Bruce Rauner.

Meanwhile, the last day of early voting continued, headed for off-year records in both the city and suburbs.

"Turnout is good," said Quinn. "I think the more people who vote, the better. That's what our country is all about."

"We need change, we need to go in another direction in the state of Illinois," Rauner said.

The wealthy businessman Rauner, who also brought his adult son and three daughters to a get out the vote rally in Hickory Hills Sunday night, was relentless as he took shots at Quinn and other Democrats Mike Madigan, John Cullerton and Rod Blagojevich.

"One hundred years of failure is enough," said Rauner. "No more. You're out of office on Tuesday."

"Obviously I don't have as much money as my opponent but we have people," Quinn said. "We're the government of the many and we're taking on the government of the money."

Rauner also campaigned downstate Sunday with Republican Governor's Association Chairman Chris Christie.

Monday the Republican will be joined by former Governor Jim Edgar and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk at six stops around the state.

The governor meanwhile has ten stops planned before he ends his campaign in Chicago Monday night.