NTUI press release: Governor debate Thursday

The National Taxpayers United of Illinois issued the following press release Wednesday:

Taxpayers Want Illinois Governor Candidates to Prove They Are Serious

All candidates for Governor of Illinois have been invited to Free & Equal Elections' third gubernatorial debate this Thursday, July 8, from 7pm to 9pm at Chicago State University. Jim Tobin, president of National Taxpayers United of Illinois, is urging all of his members and the general public to attend this important debate.

"This is an incredible opportunity for the taxpayers of Illinois to hear some straight talk from candidates about what they will do as governor," said Tobin. "These candidates should be out there every week debating the issues that face Illinois. Springfield's runaway spending is leaving this state bankrupt. Maybe if they start talking now about what spending needs to be cut, they might be done debating by November."

"It's about time Illinois gets a chance to see a debate that wasn't rigged to favor only two candidates on the ballot," said Tobin. "Any candidate on the ballot can win and they all should be heard. Look at South Carolina."

"I am proud of my daughter and her efforts to bring inclusive debates to Illinois," said Tobin. Christina Tobin, Founder of the [ Templates/www.freeandequal.org ]Free and Equal Elections Foundation, is the organizer and sponsor of Thursday's debate. "Christina is setting a new standard in debates for the benefit of all Illinois voters, now and in the future. Illinois taxpayers only stand to gain by learning more about all of their choices."

Seven candidates who filed enough signatures to show they are committed were invited to participate in the debate on Thursday. Five candidates have already confirmed: Rich Whitney (Green Party), Scott Lee Cohen (Independent), Lex Green (Libertarian Party), William Walls III (Independent), and Michael White (Constitution Party). Governor Pat Quinn (Democratic Party) and State Senator Bill Brady (Republican Party) have not yet confirmed their presence.

"These five candidates who have already agreed to debate show they are serious about putting their ideas in front of the voters," said Tobin. "Candidates hiding from debates or trying to rig them with their media friends is business as usual in Illinois. Candidates willing to debate all comers are the ones that taxpayers should consider as serious candidates."