Illinois Sen. Steve Rauschenberger (R-Elgin) stopped by NIU Monday night to talk to students about more than just his campaign for lieutenant governor.

The NIU College Republican Club gathered to listen to Rauschenberger discuss the reform he said is needed within his party to put a Republican in the governor’s seat.

The Republican party needs to stop running to the next person in line and start looking for people with vision, he said.

“We can be successful in this state as Republicans if we talk about issues, not personality,” Rauschenberger said.

Four issues that will be the most important at the time of election are ethics, education, health care and economics, Rauschenberger said. “We’re going to turn this state red by showing the people of this state we care about the same things they do.”

Rauschenberger is running with Ron Gidwitz who may run against Gov. Blagojevich this November.

A governor who will focus on the four main issues is needed and this is what Gidwitz will do if elected governor, Rauschenberger said. “As far as Republican candidates go, I rate him the highest.”

Junior English major Peter Karales said he enjoyed the senator’s visit because he was honest and frank with students.

“I like the fact he refuses to follow the political machines in Springfield,” he said.

Andrew Bogda, a freshman geography major, said he also likes Rauschenberger.

“He seemed very honest,” Bogda said.