The Republican and his wife, Diana, have given $15 million to federal and state politicians since the late 1990s. But more than $11 million of that — including $2 million from Rauner's political fund — has gone to Illinois Republicans just this year. Before running for governor, the Rauners gave to Republicans and Democrats, though highly favoring the GOP.
Most of the money to Democrats went to Chicago-area politicians such as former Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Kent Redfield, a Springfield-based political scientist, says it reflects Rauner's keen interest in issues such as Chicago school reform more than party ideology.
