Oil producers, drilling companies and geologists frustrated with the slow process of implementing rules for high-volume oil and gas drilling are putting their money behind Republican candidate for governor Bruce Rauner (ROW'-nur).

According to reports, the Winnetka businessman received nearly $240,000 from oil company officials looking to get the process up and running during a stop last month in southern Illinois.

The news comes as the state Department of Natural Resources is expected to submit proposed fracking rules to the Illinois Legislature's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Friday.

The 12-member panel has 45 days to sign off on the suggested rules, change them or prohibit their filing.

The department faces a November 15 deadline for the rules to be established.