Rauner leads in Sun-Times poll, Quinn calls for debate confirmation

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The latest polls show Republican Bruce Rauner has an edge right now over Governor Pat Quinn in the race for Illinois governor, and only one candidate confirms he will take part in debates.

"I feel we got him where we want him," Gov. Quinn said Monday during an appearance where he signed a bill expanding the use of bus lanes on Illinois highway shoulders.

Quinn did not appear concerned that Rauner leads him by 13 points in a poll commissioned by the Chicago Sun-Times. The telephone poll showed Rauner at 51-percent and the governor at 38-percent with 11-percent undecided.

Quinn said the same poll showed him losing in 2010.

"Last time around they said I was out, turned out I won. So I have total confidence in our campaign and our issues will prevail," Quinn said.

Rauner is out of town, currently on the ranch he owns in Montana, but his campaign e-mailed a statement on the Sun-Times poll: "Democrats, independents and republicans in all regions of our state are coming to same conclusion, that Pat Quinn has failed badly."

Quinn is demanding Rauner confirm he will take part in debates leading up to the November 4 election.

"He should come out of the gopher hole and start debating important issues," Quinn said.

A Quinn spokeswoman said the governor has confirmed his appearance at eight Quinn/Rauner face-offs, including the ABC7/League of Women Voters debate on October 16th.

")We have to have lots of debates. We did in the last campaign. That's the only way to treat the voters right. You see the candidates side by side on the issues," Quinn said.

Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf e-mailed Monday that the Republican candidate is "looking forward" to a number of debates this fall and the campaign will announce soon at which ones Rauner will appear.