Rauner Hit Again With Allegations He Leaned On Elite CPS School To Accept Daughter

CHICAGO (AP) -- The issue of how Republican Bruce Rauner's daughter got into an elite Chicago school has resurfaced in the governor's race.

Rauner has maintained he didn't use his money or influence to get a daughter into Walter Payton College Prep in 2008. Initially, she was rejected despite having top grades. Rauner says his family appealed through a principals' discretionary process.

But outgoing Chicago Public Schools Inspector General James Sullivan says that's not the case. He says Rauner called CPS officials and the admission status changed.

Later, Rauner's foundation made a $250,000 donation to a school initiative.

The money prompted allegations of clout during the primary.  Gov. Pat Quinn echoed that Thursday.

"I think it's time for him to tell the truth about it," Quinn told reporters.

Rauner's campaign says the candidate and his wife spoke frequently with school staff because of their other education work.

"It's disgusting that Pat Quinn and his allies are attempting to bully and tarnish a seventh grader's stellar academic record, but that's what governors under federal investigation for clout and abuse of taxpayer money do," the campaign said in a statement.

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