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SPRINGFIELD Taking a page from former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's playbook, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to sell the state's main office building in Chicago.
The Republican businessman said auctioning the dilapidated and oft-criticized James R. Thompson Center would bring in an influx of cash and save millions on operating costs.
"We think this is a home-run decision in every regard," said Rauner, during a news conference in the atrium of the building Tuesday.
It remained unclear Tuesday, however, whether such a move could go forward.
In 2004, the now-imprisoned Blagojevich proposed selling the 16-story building and leasing back the space for state offices. A second proposal to mortgage the facility to help prop up an ailing state budget fizzled after Attorney General Lisa Madigan declared it was unconstitutional.
Rauner also would have to follow a state law regarding the disposal of state property, including emptying the building, having it declared unused and offering it up...