An NIU alumnus spoke to the College Republicans and republican county volunteers on party unity to gear up for the March primaries.

Judge John Nickels, a 1958 NIU graduate and candidate for appellate court judge, and several other republican candidates spoke at the DeKalb County Republican Central Committee meeting Wednesday. The discussion focused on how their election could improve quality of life both on and off campus.

“We have candidates in the primary running against each other. But after the primary is over, we’ll unite behind the chosen candidates and make sure that we elect them to office,” Party Chairman George Beasley told a crowd of more than 100.

NIU Assistant Housing Director John Felver, a republican candidate for state representative, said one of his concerns is “education in general, the quality of it and financing is the big issue.”

State Senate candidate Nancy Beasley, John Countryman’s former legislative aide, also cited education as a strong campaign point. “One of my main themes is to support education and have equitable funding for education,” she said.

Former Illinois Secretary of Transportation Greg Baise, a candidate for state treasurer, said Illinois has a $3 billion budget and the treasurer is the chief investment officer of the state.

“As state treasurer, I will work with financial institutions and local governments to promote economic development in the communities,” Baise said.

James Ryan, Du Page County state’s attorney and republican candidate for attorney general, was the highest-ranking republican candidate present.

“The most devastating issue that threatens society in this state is drug abuse,” Ryan said, adding that he had a good drug enforcement record.