25 August, 2017
"Diana Rickert, Laurel Patrick, Meghan Keenan and Brittany Carl have submitted their resignations to the Office of the Governor", Rauner said in the statement.
"We are grateful for their hard work on behalf of the people of IL and wish them all the best going forward", Rauner said in a statement.
"We in America stand united against racism", Rauner said, without ever mentioning the cartoon. We have false rumors planted that have to be dealt with or responded with.
Gov. Rauner has once again purged his top aides, this time following their response to a controversial political cartoon that some found racist. Rauner said he would not apologize for something he had nothing to do with.
Rauner's communications staff initially issued a statement saying the governor wouldn't comment further "as a white male". The story was picked up on national wires, which undeniably painted the governor in a negative light.
It's believed Rickert wrote the vexing "white male" press release from Tuesday and Patrick sent it out. Rauner later backtracked saying that statement didn't accurately reflect his views.
"I have seen it now".
"I understand why some people would be upset by it", he said repeatedly when questioned by reporters. A cigar-chomping fat cat, representing TIF funds, says, "Sorry, kid, I'm broke". "What I will do is fight every day for justice, fairness [and] equality".
The shakeup comes after a lingering controversy over a political cartoon from the Illinois Policy Institute, the right wing think tank Rauner has turned to in his staff overhaul.
"I have not leaned on them as my go to think tank".
"I put out, along with our senior staff, put out a subsequent statement to clarify", said Rauner. "And I do not lean on them for any particular issue or policy".
Several of the new staffers hired in July came from the Illinois Policy Institute, including Rasmussen.
The negative headlines come as Rauner is seeking re-election - and he is considered a vulnerable Republican governor, despite the vast wealth he has to support his campaign.
