Negative television ads, junk mail and debates–it’s definitely election time. The gubernatorial election in Illinois is a race between two experienced politicians; both former golden-glove boxers who promise to fight hard for Illinois.
“There are two main issues that are important in this election: The corruption attached to the current governor when involved with the Secretary of State’s office and the declining economy in the state of Illinois, which has created substantial reduction in government services across the board,” said Steven Puro, political science professor at Saint Louis University.
Puro believes that both candidates have strong points.
Democrat Rod Blagojevich (pronounced bla-goya-vich) seems to connect with the grassroots voters. Republican Jim Ryan has a good grasp of the problems of state government.
“The polls have Blagojevich ahead,” Puro continued. “I think the Democrats will win in the governor’s race.”
If Democrats win the top seat, Puro believes there will be many changes.
“I think there will be a substantial increase in state-funded social services, an increase in funding for higher technology and an increase in support for urban schools,” Puro said.
Ken Warren, political science professor at SLU, has a similar assessment of the race.
“Voters are focusing more on the image of candidates and their general impressions,” Warren said. “Blagojevich will win; no question.”
Warren believes that Blagojevich has a flashy image whereas Ryan doesn’t. Their ages play a role in their image; Blagojevich is 10 years younger than Ryan. Warren continued by saying that Ryan’s image has been tarnished by George Ryan (no relation to Jim Ryan) and the license for bribes scandal. Blagojevich, however, has been running effective ads and is a vibrant go-getter, Warren added.
Warren explained that some voters do not understand the legal implications of the scandal; it is a federal issue within federal jurisdiction and therefore as attorney general, Ryan cannot carry out an investigation.
Blagojevich graduated from Northwestern University and earned a law degree from Pepperdine University in 1983. He has served as Cook County assistant states’ attorney, was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1992 and now serves as congressman from Illinois’ 5th district.
Blagojevich’s running mate is former State Treasurer Pat Quinn. Blagojevich lives in Chicago with his wife, Patricia, and their five-year-old daughter, Amy.
Ryan graduated from Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) and earned a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1971.
Ryan was elected DuPage County state’s attorney in 1984 and has been Illinois attorney general since 1994.
Ryan’s running mate is State Senator Carl Hawkinson. Ryan and his wife, Marie, have six children (one daughter, deceased) and five grandchildren.
For additional information, visit the campaigns’ Web sites. Blagojevich information can be found at www.rodforus.com and Ryan information can be found at www.jimryanforgovernor.com.
