DeKALB | With election day a few weeks away, campaigns of all kinds are heating up.

The gubernatorial race, pitting Republican Judy Baar Topinka against incumbent Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich, has become especially vicious.

Both sides have aired television ads that do not always inform voters of their intentions if elected or re-elected. Instead, many spotlight the opposition’s flaws or mishaps while in office.

“We firmly believe that our ads are not negative,” said Jon Sabol, deputy press secretary for Blagojevich. “We think it’s important for voters to compare our record with [Topinka’s] record.”

Some polls have shown a recent drop for Topinka. Sabol says the negative ads are the result of desperation.

Topinka and her representatives could not be reached for comment.

While many politicians agree that negative ads are not their intention, such ads do have an effect on the public.

“Unfortunately, negative advertising influences the votes that people cast,” said State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley). “If it didn’t, then some candidates would not use it.”

Matthew Streb, assistant political science professor, agrees.

“Ultimately, a campaign has to turn negative if a challenger has any hope of winning,” Streb said.

Negative tactics, like leaking detrimental information, seem to be common among candidates for any elected office.

“Unfortunately, what this usually amounts to is the candidates attacking each other personally rather than engaging in debates about substantive issues,” Streb said. “I think the current Illinois gubernatorial election illustrates this point perfectly.”

The debate over the use of negative ads brings up strong points on both sides.

“Some people argue that negative campaigns turn off voters and make them less likely to vote,” Streb said. “Others argue that negative campaigning is healthy for democracy. These people believe that negative campaigning gives voters important information when deciding how to vote.”

Many residents feel the malicious campaigning has become out of hand.

“I think it’s terrible,” said DeKalb resident Cliff Seldal.

The negative campaigning and the pressure that comes with it might drive away good people who would be interested in running, Seldal said.

DeKalb resident Janis Kirts said the negative ads don’t influence her, but rather, make her more disgusted with both sides, a common feeling among residents.

As far as the Blagojevich and Topinka ads go, DeKalb resident John Dersch thinks Topinka actually has some points in her negative ads.

“She says bad things about [Blagojevich], but she also says what she’s going to do.”

Caitlin Mullen is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.