Cross backs McKenna

House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego has endorsed Andy McKenna, former head of the state party, in his primary bid for governor.
“This election is pivotal to our future and I am confident Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy are the right team to lead our state out of the fiscal nightmare the Democrats have created,” Cross said in a news release this morning from McKenna's campaign.
Murphy, a Palatine state senator, is running for lieutenant governor in connection with McKenna's campaign for governor.
McKenna - who is trying to brand himself as an "outsider" - is hoping to make the most of the insider endorsement, planning a two-stop tour with Cross beginning in Chicago at 9 a.m. today and ending at the state Capitol.
The backing is important for McKenna, who has been repeatedly under attack from top-level Republicans for suddenly leaving his party post to run for governor in a crowded field after spending years denouncing divisive primaries. McKenna also consulted with many in the seven-person field before they decided to get in the race.
“Leader Cross’ endorsement underscores the momentum that grows each day with our message of cutting spending, lowering taxes and creating jobs in Illinois,” McKenna said in his news release this morning.
As party chairman, McKenna helped Cross a great deal, funneling millions of dollars of party funds into House races so Cross could limit seat losses over the last several election cycles.