In just over a week, the citizens of Illinois will sort through the resumes and cover letters for the following positions: Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Comptroller, State Treasurer, and 19 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As Governor Rod Blagojevich is finishing his first term, the race with the Republican candidate, Judy Baar Topinka, is becoming quite heated. What are the issues important to Illinoisans?Voters’ sentiments on Iraq have been the focus of much national attention.Will the war have an impact on the gubernatorial election?There are two other candidates, Randy Stufflebeam and Rich Whitney, who have also thrown their hats into the ring for third parties.Will their participation impact the outcome?

Speculation over whether the GOP will maintain control over Congress is rampant.Will international policy take priority over local issues? Will the latest round of scandals involving Republican incumbents supress the turnout of their base and aid the Democrats’ chances?If the Republicans do lose control of one or more houses of Congress, what impact will this have on Bush’s mid-term agenda?

Join us at Café Society to discuss the issues that motivate your vote.

Suggested Readings:

• Next State Constitutional Officer Elections in 2006
  
• Between the lines
  
• Partisan playbook
  
• GOP losses on Nov. 7 could cripple Bush agenda, set off fierce partisan warfare
  
• Exit Stage Right – Democratic votes, conservative victories?
  

For more informaiton, please contact Kristin Millikan at 312.422.5580.