Hedge fund manager pumps another $1 million into Rauner campaign

SPRINGFIELD-One of Illinois’ wealthiest political patrons has invested another $1 million into the gubernatorial campaign of Republican Bruce Rauner.

The donation to Rauner’s campaign fund from hedge fund manager Kenneth Griffin was reported in state campaign records Friday.

Griffin has now given $4.58 million to the Winnetka Republican in the form of cash or in-kind services since last year, state campaign records show.

Gov. Pat Quinn’s campaign immediately criticized the seven-figure contribution.

“The richest man in Illinois continues to look after his investment in billionaire Bruce Rauner’s efforts to eclipse the interest of the middle class and put their economic security at risk,” Quinn spokeswoman Izabela Miltko said in a prepared statement.

Griffin, founder and CEO of the Chicago-based investment firm Citadel LLC, has lent his jet to Rauner and donated a record-setting $2.5 million to Rauner’s campaign in June, state campaign records show.

Rauner’s campaign declined comment late Friday on the latest contribution and on the Quinn campaign’s attack.