The candidates for 59 Senate and 118 House districts, in addition to all statewide candidates, were sent the Windy City Times questionnaires. Only a handful of suburban and downstate legislators bothered to respond. But other progressive and gay-rights organizations also take a close look at these campaigns, and we have listed the endorsements for a variety of organizations.
Democrats feel this is the year that more than 24 years of Republican rule in Illinois could be brought to an end. The state Senate is expected to be captured by Democrats, and the state House is expected to maintain its Democratic control.
But it is the statewide races that are the most wide-open in years.
Democratic candidate for governor Rod Blagojevich has a 100% rating on gay and choice issues as a U.S. Congressman, and he has the backing of progressive groups in the state. his opponent, Republican Attorney General Jim Ryan, has backed off on previous support for gay rights, and he even ran attack ads downstate against Blagojevich claiming the Democrat favors gay marriage [ he does not, but he does support domestic-partnership ] .
Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Pat Quinn is solidly pro-gay and pro-choice.
For Attorney General, Sen. Lisa Madigan faces Republican Joe Birkett in a race with lots of money and tough talking.
Incumbent Secretary of State Jesse White is given a solid chance of re-election, as is Comptroller Dan Hynes.
The other statewide race causing much debate is for Treasurer. Incumbent Republican Judy Baar Topinka has solid support from conservatives and progressives, and she is the statewide Republican with the best chance of winning Nov. 5. Her opponent, state Rep. Tom Dart, also has a lot of progressive and gay support.
[ Interviews with Topinka and Dart appeared in the Oct. 23 Windy City Times, see www.WindyCityTimes.com . ]
[ See Madigan and Blagojevich interviews this issue. ]