The Democrats have a stranglehold on Illinois, helped not a little by having one of their own as President (Barack Obama was a Senator from the state when he was elected President in 2008). Both houses of the state legislature are held by a strong Democratic majority, so Republicans have had little chance to influence policy. However, conservative candidates Illinois 2014 see an opening and hope to change the balance of power.
Illinois has many ongoing problems and little signs of improvement. The credit rating of this northern state is the lowest in the nation. There is a multi-billion dollar pension deficit for civil servants, and almost $5 billion dollars worth of delinquent bills. There is also a serious and rising jobless rate. Because the majority party hasn't gotten control of either the present or the future, Republican and Independent candidates are hoping voters are ready for a different approach.
Although primary races traditionally attract a low voter turn-out and little attention in the media, this year's races were full of interest for students of politics. Outstanding faces include a millionaire businessman, Bruce Rauner, who spent a record $6 million dollars to win his chance to challenge Pat Quinn, the current Governor. He was successful in spite of bigger than ever before opposition from labor unions.
If he is successful, it will be the first time a Republican has been Governor since 1998. Republicans also aim to change the balance of power in the state legislature. They hope to get past the veto-proof majority that Democrats have enjoyed for years.
At the federal level, all 18 of the House seats are up for grabs in November. 12 of the seats are currently held by Democrats. Conservatives hope to use perceived failures of progressive national policies as fuel for change. Jesse Jackson, Jr., who has been in office since 1995, is one of the main targets because of his high profile and some issues he has had during his last term.
One of the state's two federal senators, Richard Durbin, is up for re-election. The Senate Majority Whip, 'Dick' Durbin has a very liberal voting record. He also, of course, supported the Affordable Care Act both before its passage and during its introduction to the American people, as well as debt ceiling increases and controversial social policies.
Durbin's challenger is another businessman and a current state Senator, Jim Oberweis. He operates a chain of ice cream shops in the Chicago area. He is a strong supporter of traditional family values and was endorsed for the primaries by Family PAC. He has promised to serve only two terms, making a statement about entrenched politicians. Durbin is serving his third term now, having been in office for 17 years.
This may be the year that the Democrats lose their stranglehold on Illinois. A conservative backlash may well usher in change - hopefully for the better.
Illinois has many ongoing problems and little signs of improvement. The credit rating of this northern state is the lowest in the nation. There is a multi-billion dollar pension deficit for civil servants, and almost $5 billion dollars worth of delinquent bills. There is also a serious and rising jobless rate. Because the majority party hasn't gotten control of either the present or the future, Republican and Independent candidates are hoping voters are ready for a different approach.
Although primary races traditionally attract a low voter turn-out and little attention in the media, this year's races were full of interest for students of politics. Outstanding faces include a millionaire businessman, Bruce Rauner, who spent a record $6 million dollars to win his chance to challenge Pat Quinn, the current Governor. He was successful in spite of bigger than ever before opposition from labor unions.
If he is successful, it will be the first time a Republican has been Governor since 1998. Republicans also aim to change the balance of power in the state legislature. They hope to get past the veto-proof majority that Democrats have enjoyed for years.
At the federal level, all 18 of the House seats are up for grabs in November. 12 of the seats are currently held by Democrats. Conservatives hope to use perceived failures of progressive national policies as fuel for change. Jesse Jackson, Jr., who has been in office since 1995, is one of the main targets because of his high profile and some issues he has had during his last term.
One of the state's two federal senators, Richard Durbin, is up for re-election. The Senate Majority Whip, 'Dick' Durbin has a very liberal voting record. He also, of course, supported the Affordable Care Act both before its passage and during its introduction to the American people, as well as debt ceiling increases and controversial social policies.
Durbin's challenger is another businessman and a current state Senator, Jim Oberweis. He operates a chain of ice cream shops in the Chicago area. He is a strong supporter of traditional family values and was endorsed for the primaries by Family PAC. He has promised to serve only two terms, making a statement about entrenched politicians. Durbin is serving his third term now, having been in office for 17 years.
This may be the year that the Democrats lose their stranglehold on Illinois. A conservative backlash may well usher in change - hopefully for the better.
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