State Rep. Bob Pritchard and Democratic challenger Bob Brown have a lot in common – but after Wednesday’s debate, one man comes out ahead.

Both men clearly recognize how important NIU is to the 70th Legislative District. They also recognize the importance of finding enough state money to provide a quality education to an NIU student.

However, Pritchard more than makes up for what Brown lacks in execution – and that’s why voters should cast their ballots in Pritchard’s favor Nov. 2.

Wednesday night, Brown and Pritchard debated in hopes of winning voters’ approval to represent DeKalb, Ogle and LaSalle counties in Springfield.

Pritchard, who was appointed to the position 10 months ago after the untimely death of State Rep. David Wirsing, has proven he has what it takes to represent NIU and the people of the 70th District.

Under the state’s current Democratic administration, NIU has been hit with nearly $40 million in budget cuts. However, it wasn’t until after Pritchard took office that “erosion of state funding for NIU” began to lessen. NIU’s Fiscal Year 2005 budget was the first stable budget passed in years – a testament to Pritchard’s commitment to the university.

Pritchard also opposes Gov. Blagojevich’s new toll-increase plans, which could cost trucking companies up to $270,000 in increased tollway fees. As he points out, it’s not fair to impose the increase on some individuals and not others.

He also remains committed to respecting the rights of voters and a person’s choice.

Cavel International, one of three horse-slaughtering plants in the country, reopened in DeKalb this summer amid controversy surrounding the slaughter of horses. Drawing on his experience as a farmer, Pritchard believes in allowing the business to continue operating. Not only does it generate income for workers of the institution and the DeKalb area, but it remains true to the American principal of honoring people’s freedom of choice, Pritchard said.

Although Brown has general ideas on how to improve the 70th District, he lacks a specific plan to implement those ideas.

Pritchard is a Republican; a strong voice is needed in a Democratic state legislature to represent the citizens of northern Illinois, and Pritchard is the man for the job.