The Republican Gubernatorial candidates agree pensions, Medicaid and education funding need reform. But the candidates spent a good amount of time selling their ability to win November.
Partisan cross-over was a selling point in the debate hosted by Illinois Public Broadcasters and the League of Women Voters. State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says he has that diverse appeal.
"But I think what those republican voters are really looking for is someone who is a reasonable republican, not with horns and tail."
Rutherford says he's proven he can win statewide.
State Senator Bill Brady says he also has a proven core voter foundation. He was the Republican nominee four years.
Winnetka businessman Bruce Rauner says he's the unique candidate in the race, not beholden to union bosses or special interest.
But State Senator Kirk Dillard calls Rauner is a Chicago insider. Dillard, who's from DuPage County says the state also needs geographic diversity.
"There's not a lot of action on the democrat side so I would encourage democrats to save our state to take republican ballot on March 18th and I would say the same to independents. "
The winner of the March Primary likely faces incumbent Governor Pat Quinn in November.
ON ECONOMY:
- Dillard says he'd use his experience working as Gov. Jim Edgar's chief of staff if he is elected.
- Brady says after he gets the state's finances right side up, he's going to try to drum up some business.
- Rauner says he'd bring business discipline to the governor's office. He says government workers should be given incentives and merit pay.
- Rutherford wants an annual performance review for the governor.
ON EDUCATION:
- Rutherford says he's in favor of individual districts having more local control over how tax dollars are used.
- Dillard says Chicago Public Schools have too much clout in Springfield.
- Brady wants to eliminate the state board of education. He says he'll cut red tape and reduce mandates.
- Rauner says the current school-funding formula needs to be more equitable between rich and poor districts as well as urban and rural districts.
ON GAMBLING:
- Rauner while saying he is not a fan of gambling, says expansion should be a local decision.
- Dillard and Brady want to make sure the horse-racing industry is protected if lawmakers approve any additional casinos.
- Rutherford says he'd be open to discuss gambling expansion but said that any package must have appropriate oversight.
