Bob Pritchard, R-Hinckley and Democratic challenger Bob Brown will learn of their political destinies tonight, but what have we, the voter, learned about them as regular people?

Sure, the two distinguished candidates for the 70th District state representative seat have made their own views on taxes, health care reform and higher education known through debates and public appearances. Unfortunately, the public has yet to be informed on where the two stand on cartoon characters and rap songs.

Sweeps set out to rectify this stunning gap in voter education and the Bobs were kind enough to oblige by answering a few critical questions. (Although one suspects that Pritchard’s younger, hipper campaign workers had a hand in his responses.) Out of respect for the political process, they were not asked what random object they would beat someone to death with.

Northern Star: What is your favorite movie and why?

Bob Brown: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ – This movie dramatically demonstrates that each one of us is created for a specific purpose in life and to make a particular contribution to others’ lives.

Bob Pritchard: ‘Office Space’ is my favorite movie because it exemplifies the freedom given to all Americans to work in an environment free of oppression – and I like staplers.

NS: Who should play you in the movie based on this election?

BB: Jimmy Stewart – In the role of Sen. Jefferson Smith in the movie ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.’ Stewart showed leadership ability in government despite long odds and in the midst of corruption.

BP: Will Ferrell – Ron Burgundy was fantastic. He built the Eiffel Tower out of bronze and steel.

NS: Who is your favorite cartoon character and why?

BB: Mufasa from the ‘Lion King’ – He was the leader of the pride and understood his important responsibility to guide and prepare others for their roles in the circle of life.

BP: Stewey.

NS: What is your favorite rap song?

BB: I prefer R&B over rap music. One of my favorite songs is ‘One Moment in Time’ by Whitney Houston. I attended one of Whitney’s concerts performed early in her career at the University of Illinois.

BP: Robert Guillet’s interpretation of Nelly’s ‘It’s Getting Hot in Here.’

NS: What is the last book you read cover to cover and what did you think of it?

BB: ‘An Honorable Profession’ – This book is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was a candidate for president of the United States in 1968. During that campaign, he often said, ‘Some men see things as they are and say, why? I dream things that never were and say, why not?’

BP: I recently read ‘America: A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction’ by Jon Stewart. I particularly enjoyed the foreword.

NS: Both you and your opponent’s real first names are Robert. Why do you go by Bob?

BB: My dad, Bob Brown Sr., was a well-known radio broadcaster for 50 years on stations WLBK-AM and WDEK-FM in DeKalb. Over the years, I have been known as Bob Brown Jr. Although Dad died in 1999, voters continue to reminisce about him while I am on the campaign trail.

BP: Bob is only one of the nicknames I go by; some people call me the Bri-Man. I’m the stylish one of the group.

NS: Do you think having the same first name as your opponent will cause problems on Election Day?

BB: No, because I am listed first on the ballot as ‘Bob Brown’ and my opponent is listed second on the ballot as ‘Robert W. Pritchard.’

BP: No.

NS: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave it to you?

BB: Dorothy G. O’Brien, my political godmother, counseled me that one’s integrity is the foundation of your life and most valuable asset. If you lose your integrity, nothing else can compensate such a devastating loss.

BP: I could see the squirrels and they were merry, but then, they switched from the Swingline to the Boston stapler, but I kept my Swingline stapler because it didn’t bind up as much and I kept the staples for the Swingline stapler and it’s not okay because if they take my stapler then …

NS: How did you meet your wife?

BB: I met her while participating in a United Nations International Communications Conference held on an island in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of the former Yugoslavia. I received a U.S. State Department fellowship to attend this conference.

BP: Well, this one time at band camp …

NS: Noted thespian Tony Danza has a talk show. Have you seen it?

BB: I remember Tony’s role in the television series ‘Who’s the Boss?’ I have not yet seen his talk show.

BP: Of course I have seen Tony Danza’s talk show! Maybe the more important question is, ‘Why aren’t we all watching it right now instead of reading this…?’