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GOP: Springfield Experience a Plus or a Liability?
Produced by Sam Hudzik on Thursday, November 05, 2009

The candidates debated at a fundraiser at a Chicago hotel. (WBEZ/Sam Hudzik)

There were no fireworks in the first big debate among Republican candidates for Illinois governor. The seven hopefuls gathered Thursday night at a Chicago hotel as part of a fundraiser for the state GOP.

There was general agreement around most issues, including federal healthcare legislation, education and taxes. The Republicans offered broad policy plans and promised to fix a state they argue has been badly damaged by years of Democratic control. State Senator Kirk Dillard.

DILLARD: We're going to look at every tax. We're going to look at every fee. We're going to look at every incentive to make us competitive with the other Midwestern states.

Dillard repeatedly touted his years as an aide to former Governor Jim Edgar and in the legislature, experience mocked by publicist Dan Proft in one of the few real jabs of the night.

PROFT: It's not the time to look at stuff, especially if you've been there for 20 years.

Disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich and current Governor Pat Quinn were mentioned by name only about a dozen times total. The candidates focused their criticism on Springfield, state government and Democrats in general.