The Latest: Durbin takes on Gov Rauner at Illinois fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Latest on Democrats' Day at the Illinois State Fair (all times local):

1:45 p.m.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is blasting Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's turnaround agenda as a "complete disaster for Illinois."

Durbin spoke Thursday during Democrats' Day at the Illinois State Fair. Republicans had events on Wednesday.

Durbin says the lack of a full budget agreement has left downstate communities, particularly those home to universities, in a "virtual recession."

He also responded to questions about interest in a 2018 gubernatorial run. Rauner has said he plans to seek re-election.

Durbin says he already has a "great job" in Washington and thinks he can help the state more as a U.S. senator. He also says that he's not going to "engage in speculation" during the 2016 election cycle.

Rauner's spokeswoman didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

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12:20 p.m.

Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan took on Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Democrats' Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Madigan called on Democrats to come together against what he called Rauner and Trump's "extremism."

Madigan said after speaking to Illinois Democrats on Thursday that it's clear Rauner is supporting Trump, calling the pair "two peas in a pod" and "joined at the hip." Rauner has said he'll support the GOP nominee for president, but hasn't specifically endorsed Trump. The governor, who has declined to discuss presidential politics, has said he's "disgusted" by some of Trump's remarks.

Madigan said Rauner's plans for Illinois would "lower wages" and "lower the standard of living,"

Republicans had their day at the state fair on Wednesday, when Rauner said the GOP would outspend Democrats.

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10:45 a.m.

Illinois' Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate has decried what she called Republicans' "hate-filled" vision for America.

Tammy Duckworth spoke Thursday morning at the Illinois State Fair to kick off Democrats' Day. She is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk in the fall. Duckworth told her fellow Democrats that their vision for America values diversity and invests in people.

Duckworth also said she wouldn't be where she is today without the safety net programs that Democrats support, like food stamps and college grants.

Duckworth seemed to target Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump when she said she didn't inherit millions but she did inherit "a sense of duty to my nation, respect for hard work and a never-give-up attitude."

Democrats continue events Thursday with an afternoon rally.

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10:15 a.m.

Chicago Democrats are responding to accusations from Gov. Bruce Rauner that they are responsible for the city's violence and crumbling schools.

Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza said Thursday morning at the start of Democrats' Day at the Illinois State Fair that Rauner is cutting services that are necessary to improve schools and reduce violence. She says he's the one who determines funding for mental health services and schools.

Rauner made his comments during Governor's Day at the state fair Wednesday, when Illinois Republicans had a rally and breakfast. He took issue with the Democratic "machine" in Chicago and said Republicans would outspend Democrats this election cycle.

Mendoza has been Chicago's clerk since 2011. Before that she was a member of the Illinois House for a decade.

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5:25 a.m.

Illinois Democrats will take their turn at the Illinois State Fair with a political rally.

The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association will kick off Thursday's Democrats' Day with a brunch at a Springfield hotel. The rally on the director's lawn of the state fairgrounds begins around noon.

Steve Brown is spokesman for the Illinois Democratic Party. He says voters will see "a unified party with a lot of enthusiasm" for its candidates. They include U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, and Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who is vying for state comptroller against Republican Leslie Munger. Munger was appointed to her post in 2014 by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

At Wednesday's Governor's Day, Republicans focused on state races and unseating powerful Democrats in the Legislature.

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