Illinois Governor Primary: Bruce Rauner Wins Race To Challenge Pat Quinn

Bruce Rauner has won the Republican primary to challenge Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) in his reelection race this fall, the Associated Press reports.

Four Republicans vied for the nomination during Tuesday's primary.

Quinn, who became governor in 2009 after Rod Blagojevich's impeachment, was reelected to a full term in 2010.

Below, more from the Associated Press:

Businessman Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur) has defeated three veteran lawmakers to win the Republican nomination for Illinois governor.

In his first bid for public office, Rauner on Tuesday topped state Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard and Treasurer Dan Rutherford (ROOTH'-ur-furd).

The wealthy venture capitalist from Winnetka in November will face Democratic governor Pat Quinn, who had a lesser-known primary challenger.

Rauner ran on a promise to "shake up" Springfield and the "career politicians" and special interests he says helped create Illinois' financial problems.

A virtual unknown when he got in the race, Rauner spent more than $14 million, including about $6 million of his own money.

Much of the money went toward TV ads that helped him increase his name recognition and fight back against attacks from organized labor.