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.
Republicans hope to take the Governor's office for the first time since 1998. They also are trying to gain enough representation in the state's legislature to be able to influence fiscal policy. With the current Democratic majority in both houses of the legislature, Republican efforts have been futile. Conservative ideas and values may seem more attractive to residents who have been facing higher taxes and declining prosperity.
On the national level, Illinois' 18 seats in the House are all on the ballot in November. Currently 12 of them are held by Democrats. Incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr. Is running for re-election; he has had some problems during his last term which his opponents hopes to exploit. Jackson has been in office since 1995, but has suffered health problems and an ethics investigation.
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.
Republicans hope to take the Governor's office for the first time since 1998. They also are trying to gain enough representation in the state's legislature to be able to influence fiscal policy. With the current Democratic majority in both houses of the legislature, Republican efforts have been futile. Conservative ideas and values may seem more attractive to residents who have been facing higher taxes and declining prosperity.
On the national level, Illinois' 18 seats in the House are all on the ballot in November. Currently 12 of them are held by Democrats. Incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr. Is running for re-election; he has had some problems during his last term which his opponents hopes to exploit. Jackson has been in office since 1995, but has suffered health problems and an ethics investigation.
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.
About the Author:
You can visit www.branniganforcongress.com for more helpful information about Conservative Candidates Illinois 2014 Have New Hope.
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