The head of the Chicago Teachers Union on Wednesday compared Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner to an Islamic State recruit committing “acts of terror on poor and working-class people.”
“Rauner is the new ISIS recruit,” CTU President Karen Lewis said during a speech at Chicago’s City Club, using an acronym that refers to the Islamic State terrorist group, The Chicago Tribune reported.
“Yes, I said it, and I’ll say it again. Bruce Rauner is a liar,” she added. “And, you know, I’ve been reading in the news lately about all of these ISIS recruits popping up all over the place — has Homeland Security checked this man out yet? Because the things he’s doing look like acts of terror on poor and working-class people.”
Ms. Lewis also accused the governor of being anti-union and playing “chicken with the state budget.” She said Mr. Rauner’s use of the state budget impasse as leverage to achieve union-weakening reforms equated to terrorism, The Chicago Sun-Times reported.
“I think he’s holding people hostage,” she said. “Who does that? … It’s ideological. That’s terrorism.”
The governor’s office rebuked Ms. Lewis’ comments in a statement, saying, “This kind of rhetoric has no place in American public discourse and sets a terrible example for our kids.”
Ms. Lewis defended her comments.
“You know what, he talks about me all the time, so guess what? The gloves are off,” she told reporters after her speech.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.