Four Republican candidates for governor debated key issues last month, helping voters decide the Republican nomination on March 18.

From political veteran Dan Rutherford to political newcomer Bruce Rauner, the stage was set the night of January 17 for the first statewide Republican primary debate featuring candidates State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, State Senator Bill Brady, State Senator Kirk Dillard and businessman Bruce Rauner.

Fielding Questions

Despite the Arctic-like temperatures pounding the city, the debate indoors took on a less-than-combative tone with all four candidates coming into agreement on almost everything, expressing a distaste for Chicago politics and a cognizance of Illinois’ deflated economy and the need for a strong leader to help it grow. It came as no surprise that economic issues took center stage during the 90-minute debate, particularly the income tax hike Governor Quinn signed into law in 2011 that is set to expire about the time the next governor takes office.

When questioned about the 2011 tax hike, Dan Rutherford said he would create a task force to search for cost-savings options across the board. Rutherford said Governor Quinn’s primary mistake when signing the tax into law was locating a source of revenue without resolving Illinois’ financial problems. Dan Rutherford, the only candidate to win state-wide office, served as a Republican member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 53rd district, from 2003 to 2011, and in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003.

Kirk Dillard, former chairman of the DuPage County Republican Party, said legislators should not receive pay without passing a budget and claims that “no state has ever taxed its way into prosperity.”

Bill Brady pointed out that Illinois is ranked last in the nation for job performance and said he would do what it takes to place Illinois “back at the top of the list when it comes to growing jobs.” Brady also claimed he would veto any attempt by Democrats to extend the income tax increase. Brady, who ran for governor in 2010, desires to create a responsive and responsible government that respects the taxpayer, helps create jobs and gives citizens a greater voice in their government.

Bruce Rauner called Illinois spending “highly inefficient” and “wasteful.” As governor, he claims, he would stand up to the union bosses in Springfield who have implemented “unworkable structures” and “work rules,” for which Illinois is paying a high price.

Rauner, somewhat of a political neophyte, is no novice when it comes to fundraising, having raised millions more than his opponents during the primary from which he launched a profuse line of advertisements.

Improving Education Funding

In addition to weighing in on Illinois’ income tax increase, candidates also parried questions on ways to ensure equal school funding statewide, beginning with equal resources between urban, rural and rich and poor districts. Brady suggested eliminating the state board of education along with a number of unfunded mandates related to education. Rutherford advocated increasing local district control over how tax dollars are spent.

And while Rauner advocated for improving the funding formula to balance funding across the state, Dillard pointed out that Chicago’s prominence at the state Capitol would not serve the best interests of schools across Illinois.

Regarding gambling expansion, Rutherford argued that the real issue is proper oversight of any expansion deal and that he would be open to discussing the matter.

Brady and Dillard argued for keeping the horseracing industry afloat if legislators approved building more casinos. Rauner believes gambling expansion should be under control of local governments.

Running Illinois as a Business

One of the more prominent issues of the evening addressed how each candidate would run government workers should be given business incentives while Dillard said he would draw on his experience working as chief of staff for former Governor Jim Edgar.

Rutherford believes the governor should undergo an annual performance review. Lastly, Brady advocates being “growth-oriented,” broadening the state’s economy and job market.

The candidates went head to head on other topics ranging from the minimum wage and pension reform to fracking and Medicaid. Dillard says that Illinois has been run by the Democratic Party and Chicago politicians for too long and real improvement will not happen without sound Republican leadership.

The winner of the Republican primary will face off against one of two Democratic candidates running for governor.