Illinois is a Democratic party stronghold, with the party fueled in part by having its former U. S. Senator Barack Obama now President of the United States. Both houses of the state legislature have an almost challenge-proof democratic majority. However, conservative candidates Illinois 2014 are hoping to change the balance of power in the fall elections.
The state faces many problems, including a dismal credit rating (lowest in the 50 states), a huge public pension deficit, and almost $5 billion in delinquent bills. The fact that the Democratic party majority has been unable to improve the financial outlook, the high jobless rate, and other problems gives hope to the conservative Republican and Independent candidates.
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.
All 18 of the state's House of Representative seats will be on the ballot in the fall of 2014. One of the most interesting races to the nation at large is that of incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr., who has been in office since 1995. He may be more vulnerable than usual because of ethical problems and health concerns during recent years. Currently 12 of the state's 18 House seats are held by Democrats.
Republicans would love to see Senate Majority Whip Richard 'Dick' Durbin lose his seat. Durbin has been a strong and vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act, one of the more unpopular bills under President Obama. He has also supported raising the debt ceiling and controversial social policies like same-sex marriage, the Common Core public school curriculum, and funding for Planned Parenthood.
Durbin faces a challenge from Illinois state senator and businessman Jim Oberweis, owner of a chain of ice cream shops. Oberweis has been endorsed by Family PAC, a champion of strong family values. He has promised to limit himself to two terms, if elected, making a statement about entrenched politicians who use their offices for personal advancement. Durbin has been in office for 17 years.
Illinois will be closely watched for many reasons, one of which is to see if there will be a conservative backlash against the fiscal, social, and international policies of the current administration in Washington. Election Day November 4th 2014 might see a swing to the right, if conservative candidates can get their messages across to the American people. This is a year in which every citizen can exercise their right and responsibility to vote, in order to help elect leaders they think will best serve them and the country at large.
The state faces many problems, including a dismal credit rating (lowest in the 50 states), a huge public pension deficit, and almost $5 billion in delinquent bills. The fact that the Democratic party majority has been unable to improve the financial outlook, the high jobless rate, and other problems gives hope to the conservative Republican and Independent candidates.
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.
All 18 of the state's House of Representative seats will be on the ballot in the fall of 2014. One of the most interesting races to the nation at large is that of incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr., who has been in office since 1995. He may be more vulnerable than usual because of ethical problems and health concerns during recent years. Currently 12 of the state's 18 House seats are held by Democrats.
Republicans would love to see Senate Majority Whip Richard 'Dick' Durbin lose his seat. Durbin has been a strong and vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act, one of the more unpopular bills under President Obama. He has also supported raising the debt ceiling and controversial social policies like same-sex marriage, the Common Core public school curriculum, and funding for Planned Parenthood.
Durbin faces a challenge from Illinois state senator and businessman Jim Oberweis, owner of a chain of ice cream shops. Oberweis has been endorsed by Family PAC, a champion of strong family values. He has promised to limit himself to two terms, if elected, making a statement about entrenched politicians who use their offices for personal advancement. Durbin has been in office for 17 years.
Illinois will be closely watched for many reasons, one of which is to see if there will be a conservative backlash against the fiscal, social, and international policies of the current administration in Washington. Election Day November 4th 2014 might see a swing to the right, if conservative candidates can get their messages across to the American people. This is a year in which every citizen can exercise their right and responsibility to vote, in order to help elect leaders they think will best serve them and the country at large.
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