1) More Illinoisans know who Mike Madigan is than many out-of-staters here are estimating.
2) Rauner will probably lose in 2018, but I will leave it a toss up for now. I think Illinoisans are unimpressed with his cut-throat governance. Madigan operates similarly, but this is a Democratic state. Rauner has looked like a fool insisting that his agenda be implemented and allowing "non-essential" programs to waste away in the process. One Republican surrounded by Democrats isn't in a position to push his entire "Bring Back Illinois!" plan through the legislature.
I like Rauner, but I think he will lose. Forever sanctuary Mr. Illini? I support a pathway to citizenship, but sanctuary cities are a bad idea.