Rallying support for Republican candidates for the upcoming state election was the focus of State Senator Brad Burzynski’s annual breakfast Friday.

The keynote speaker, 41st district Senator Christine Radogno, served since 1997 and is running for the State Treasurer. While Blagojevich has raised funding for education, provided health care for more than 300,000 more citizens and has not raised income or sales tax throughout his term. He also has created serious fiscal problems for Illinois that need to be remedied, Radogno said.

Blagojevich withdrew billions of dollars from pension systems and reallocated $1 billion from dedicated funds. One of her most pressing criticisms: Illinois has not kept the pace with creating new jobs. Illinois created 27,000 this year, placing the state 45th in the nation.

Scott Wickman, assistant professor at NIU and representative of Illinois Counselors, believes all of the issues raised at the meeting were valid, but issues such as education and higher education should take precedent in the upcoming election.

Stewart Umholtz, state’s attorney of Tazewell County and an NIU graduate, also attended the event.

To follow up his third term as state’s attorney, he is running for Illinois Attorney General and wants a proactive policy in eliminating corruption.

In their own words

Excerpts from numerous candidates’ speeches at the annual Community Leader’s Breakfast.

Jim Oberweis, candidate for governor, said he was against receiving money from corrupt business interests, and if elected would eliminate special contracts required for construction contracts because it is unfair to smaller construction firms and costs the state millions of dollars.

Ron Gidwitz, candidate for governor, said corruption was the biggest issue plaguing the state and he has a seven-point plan to combat corruption.

Bill Bradley, candidate for governor, said he has a six-point plan to reform and rebuild the state because rebuilding the economy should be the highest priority.

Lt. Governor Candidate Joe Birkett said Judy Baar Topinka, his running mate, has demonstrated as state treasurer that she can be trusted to put the best interests of the people as priority.