|
This is a brief summary of last night's historic debate between the Democratic candidates for Illinois' U.S. Senate seat.
Illinois voters got an excellent chance to compare and contrast the style and substance of the five Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate in Tuesday night's BGA-ABC 7-League of Women Voters debate. There wasn't a clear winner, but the debate did give all of the candidates exposure to a large audience at a time when voters are beginning to concentrate on the upcoming primary.
Touting his six-point plan, State Treasurer and frontrunner Alexi Giannoulias tried to keep the focus on economic development and jobs, but former City of Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman criticized Giannoulias' handling of the state's Bright Star student loan program, and Hoffman also took a shot at Giannoulias for the controversial lending practices of Giannoulias' family bank. Giannoulias defended the student loan program as "one of the best in the country" and called Hoffman "desperate," saying that he wants to concentrate on helping small businesses and creating jobs to keep the U.S. competitve in the global economy. Hoffman touted his recent endorsements from the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, retired Judge Abner Mikva and City Clerk Miguel Del Valle as evidence that he's the only Democate who can take the corruption issue off the table in the Fall, but several other candidates made the same claim.
Dr. Robert Marshall. the longest of longshots, had one of the best lines of the evening when he asked Hoffman why, if he wants to fight corruption, he's going for the U.S. Senate seat. "If you really want to fight corruption, stay home," Marshall quipped. "The corruption is all in Illinois."
heryle Jackson, head of the Chicago Urban League, stressed her experience working "in the trenches" on behalf of low-income people, and she defended her tenure as a communications deputy to former Governor Rod Blagojevich by saying that she, like millions of others, thought he was committed to helping people, not turning pay-to-play into an art form. She insists she left Blago when she realized he wasn't helping working families and that's what she's been doing since then at the Urban League.
With a background in commercial law, Jacob Meister, the other longshot in the primary race, called himself the only Democrat with business experience and touted his 20 point plan for fixing the economy. Meister, the only gay in the race, called for the repeal of the U.S. Military's "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" policy vis-a-vis gays, and he pleaded for more tolerance of gays.It's interesting to note the only other candidate Meister attacked is David Hoffman, for allegedly trying to limit participation in the debate and for allegedly coming late to the issue of parking meter privatization.
Dr. Marshall introduced himself as a Harvard-educated physician, a former resident of public housing, a father and a Vietnam veteran. He stressed his folksy conservatism, saying his positions on abortion, taxes and concealed carry are in tune with mainstream residents.
In summary, Giannoulias tried to stay above the fray and comfortably assume the role of frontrunner. Hoffman played the integrity card to the hilt and tried to dirty up Giannoulias. Jackson used an emotional appeal to those who need a fighter on their behalf. And the also-rans, Meister and Marshall, got their hour of fame, even if it's not likely to catapult either of them into contention.
The one-hour debate was moderated by ABC 7's Kathy Brock. The questioners were BGA Executive Director Andy Shaw, ABC 7 political reporter Charles Thomas and Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington.
Last night's debate was the second of a series of important candidate forums presented by the BGA, ABC-7 News and the League of Women Voters. This historic partnership is committed to political debates that educate voters about candidates and their position on the most crucial issues. The BGA stands for accountability and Executive Director Andy Shaw will continue to play a role he has fulfilled for more than30 years—asking tough questions to get the answers that taxpayers deserve.
Please join the BGA's fight to bring about authentic change whenever and wherever govertnment fails to serve the people. You can become a member of the BGA or make a donation by clicking HERE
|