By AP/KWMU
Chicago, IL – Chicago area state Senator Kirk Dillard says Republicans are wasting millions fighting each other in the race for governor.
Some Republican leaders fear a primary battle among seven or eight candidates will produce a weakened nominee who won't be able to compete in the general election.
Dillard predicts he and other county chairmen and party leaders will try to pare the field down after Labor Day.
But GOP officials don't have the power to force candidates out of the race.
Some candidates have enough money to run their own campaigns without help from the party.
But the state's party chair, Andy McKenna says he hopes to steer some of the candidates toward running for secretary of state, attorney general and other offices.