DeKALB | The Illinois gubernatorial race between incumbent Rod Blagojevich and challenger Judy Baar Topinka has taken a malicious turn.

Some television ads contain cutting remarks intended to prey on the proven effectiveness of negative ads.

“Many people get upset with negative campaigns, but unfortunately they are part of the campaign process. At some point, she or he has to make clear what the problem is with the incumbent,” said political science professor Dr. Matthew Streb.

Spokespeople for Blagojevich and Topinka both emphasized their candidate’s concentration on the issues, amid all of the controversy.

“We like to keep it focused more on the issues. [Topinka’s] campaign has been more focused on attacks and complaints. We think it’s more important that voters know our policy positions and her policy positions,” said Sheila Nix , Blagojevich’s campaign spokesperson.

Alternatively, Topinka’s team feels the opposition’s strategy has gone off course.

“The governor says he’s running on his record. Obviously they’re not very proud of his record because he doesn’t have much positive to say about the last four years,” said John McGovern , Topinka’s press secretary. “His strategy seems to be to attack Treasurer Topinka instead of what he’s said his strategy is.”

Green Party’s Rich Whitney hopes to be the calm presence among the chaos if invited to the debate.

“What we see happening is a bickering, back-and-forth blame game between the other two candidates,” said Jennifer Rose , Whitney’s campaign manager. “If involved in the debate, Whitney will make sure all candidates will discuss the issues.”

The infamous ads have been on television for the past few months, causing animosity early in the campaign race.

“I am not at all surprised that this gubernatorial election has been so nasty, although I was somewhat surprised that it turned so nasty so quickly,” Streb said.

Time has demonstrated the necessity of attack ads for challengers.

“If nothing was wrong with the incumbent’s record, then why would people want to vote that person out of office? Positive messages can only take you so far if you are a challenger,” Streb said.

Caitlin Mullen is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.