While thousands of people filled downtown DeKalb for Cornfest to enjoy a day off, politicians were rolling up their sleeves for another workday on the campaign trail.

Working conditions were ideal Saturday, with hands to shake, stickers to pass out and plenty of free sweet corn.

U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, D-Illinois, and State Sen. Patrick Welch, D-Peru, took advantage of these conditions Saturday when they handed out corn together at the corner of Third and Grove Streets.

Simon faces U.S. Rep. Lynn Martin, R-Loves Park, in November and Welch is running aginst Republican Nancy Beasley.

In addition to endless introductions and two-ear servings of boiled and buttered corn, the two legislators offered their views on issues to the few people who asked.

Welch said rising tuition is the most important issue facing students. “I think we have to keep tuition down, and make sure fees aren’t used to offset tuition. We’re confident (Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor Neil) Hartigan will win and we’ll be able to cut costs,” he said.

Simon agreed the issue needs examination. “The whole issue of education needs to be looked at—not just higher education, but all levels,” he said between handshakes, his trademark bow tie wilted from humidity and previous campaign stops.

Welch said he is disappointed by the funding setback of the proposed DeKalb Civic Center, but said the $16 million center will go through.

“It was a totally political move on the governor’s part because of the elections,” he said.

Simon said he supports President Bush’s response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and does not see the hostage situation crippling policy as with Iran in 1979.

The two followed the corn boil appearance with a walking tour of DeKalb and a stop at Chillfest, the Black Student Union block party. Beasley also had a booth and was mixing with the crowds.