CHICAGO (AP) — Republican candidate for governor Bruce Rauner says women will decide the close race between him and Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.

The Winnetka businessman and his wife Diana appeared at a Chicago event on Thursday to encourage women to get out and vote in next Tuesday’s election.

Moderate, independent-voting women in the Chicago area are considered a key swing vote. Both candidates have spent time there in recent weeks trying to gain their support.

Quinn last week held an event with women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem, stressing his support for abortion rights, equal pay for women and other issues.

Rauner also supports abortion rights but stresses economic issues. He said he would appoint women to top positions.

Quinn’s campaign questioned why Rauner hasn’t hired more women executives in his businesses.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.