The campaign season for 70th District state representative culminated in a face-to-face debate Wednesday night.

Concerned citizens and students gathered in the Diversions Lounge of the Holmes Student Center to witness candidates Bob Brown, D, and incumbent Bob Pritchard, R-Hinckley, face off at a Northern Star-sponsored debate.

The debate remained cordial, but the candidates did get more personal as they asked questions of each other.

Brown highlighted campaign contributions Pritchard received from tobacco and alcohol companies.

“I wasn’t aware you supported smoking, drinking, gambling and garbage,” Brown said.

Pritchard responded by saying those businesses are legitimate businesses in this state and have a right to a political voice.

Citizens voiced concerns over the Cavel International horse processing plant in DeKalb, large livestock farms and campaign finance reform.

“I was astounded by the cost of running a district-wide campaign,” Pritchard said. To get the message out costs a lot of money, he said.

Brown disagreed and thought money could be saved.

“I think we could set some limit and call upon the public to get the message out,” Brown said. “Look at tonight; I didn’t pay a thing tonight.”

Both candidates tried to highlight how their experience would help them be the better lawmaker.

Pritchard said he had vast experience as a public servant on the DeKalb County Board.

Brown focused on his years of experience helping with alumni issues at NIU, where he said he chartered the black alumni council.

The affordability of college, an issue near and dear to the NIU campus, came to light on the debate stage also.

“We have to stop the erosion of state funding for higher education,” Pritchard said. The state cut $40 million in higher education funding under the Democratic administration, he said.

Brown said he thought the funding needed to be restored, but the state should look at additional ways to help fund higher education. Corporate partnerships and research grants are good alternatives, Brown said.

The debate winner was hard to determine, according to some members of the audience.

“Of course, Republicans are going to say Pritchard won and Democrats are going to say Brown won,” said NIU graduate student and Brown supporter Matthew Kapustianyk. “Both did a great job.”

Where the candidates stand:

Issue: Health care reform

Pritchard: Access to health care is important, but medical malpractice premiums are going up. He supports medical malpractice reform as a way to bring down medical costs.

Brown: Capping malpractice claims alone will not solve the problem. He said we must look at the way the insurance industry is underwritten to solve rising insurance premiums.

Issue: College tuition

Pritchard: “Stop the erosion of state funding for higher education.” He said we must hold the state accountable for funding while looking for additional ways to boost funding.

Brown: Agrees that the funding from the state should be restored. He would look at other ways to boost funding also.

Issue: Campaign finance reform

Pritchard: Sees the astronomical cost of campaigning as the price of getting the message out.

Brown: “I believe we can set a limit and get the message out.” He encourages the public, including the media, to get the message out.

Endorsements

Who: Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn

What: Endorsement of Bob Brown for 70th District state representative seat

When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Room 100, Campus Life Building

Bob Pritchard has had previous speakers endorsing him, including former Gov. Jim Edgar.