CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois’ gubernatorial campaigns took jabs at each other on business and hiring Monday, with Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn’s running mate accusing Republican businessman Bruce Rauner of profiting “from fraud” and Rauner calling hiring under Quinn’s Department of Transportation a “scam.”

Both campaigns — locked in a competitive race — intensified focus on issues previously in the headlines.

Rauner blasted IDOT hiring three days after Quinn’s administration released a list of agency employees who initially were hired under a title that’s been the subject of a federal lawsuit and inspector general’s report. He called for Quinn to fire them, vowing to work with a federal hiring monitor if elected.

Quinn has said he addressed hiring issues by calling for a systemic review, abolishing the “staff assistant” position and laying off those still holding the title.

His running mate, Paul Vallas, called attention to APS Healthcare Inc., a company owned by Rauner’s former firm. The state of Georgia and the federal government alleged the company failed to provide services it was paid for. Without admitting fault, APS agreed to a 2011 federal settlement for $13 million.

Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf said Rauner wasn’t on the board at APS and played no role in managing the company.

 

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