Capitol Cast: Illinois

The 2022 general election campaign season got into full swing with political events at the Illinois State Fair and the first gubernatorial candidate forum. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss the major themes and issues to watch.

Gov. JB Pritzker sits down for a one-on-one interview, and Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki takes a look at the election-night speeches of Pritzker and his GOP challenger Darren Bailey.

Secretary of state candidate Alexi Giannoulias talks to Capitol News Illinois about his plans to modernize the secretary of state's office should voters elect him to it. He also talks about his union support and time as Illinois Treasurer and in the private banking field. Further coverage of the race from the Chicago Tribune is below. Democratic race for secretary of state has one candidate trying to resurrect his political career and two trying to take their next step: www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elec…um-story.html Valencia, Giannoulias repeat accusations of ethical lapses during forum for Democratic secretary of state candidates: www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elec…4m-story.html $20 million in loans to felons: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-04-01-ct-met-giannoulias-bank-loans-20100401-story.html

Secretary of state candidate Anna Valencia talks to Capitol News Illinois about her plans for the office should voters give her the Democratic nomination. She has plans for an Illinois Civic Corps, modernizing the office and tightening ethics laws. She touches on the contentious nature of a race in which her husband's lobbying career has been in the spotlight. Further coverage of the race from the Chicago Tribune is below. Democratic race for secretary of state has one candidate trying to resurrect his political career and two trying to take their next step: https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-sos-dems-race-20220612-qfq2y6seobhwtegdr7epdounum-story.html Valencia, Giannoulias repeat accusations of ethical lapses during forum for Democratic secretary of state candidates: https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/elections/ct-secretary-of-state-democrats-ethics-20220527-n3ytxclwy5dupajabnlrj7pm4m-story.html

Illinois Secretary of State candidate David Moore talks to Capitol News Illinois Bureau Chief Jerry Nowicki about his plans for the office should voters choose him to replace outgoing Secretary of State Jesse White. It's the first of three interviews with Democratic SOS candidates that Capitol News Illinois will publish ahead of the Tuesday, June 28 primary election.

Illinois' political map has shifted dramatically in the 21st century with Democrats now dominating large cities and the suburbs, and Republicans holding small towns and rural areas. Two researchers at Southern Illinois University, John Jackson and John Foster, discuss that trend and the new paper they have just published. (Read the whole paper at https://news.siu.edu/2022/06/061522-Latest-SIU-Paul-Simon-Institute-research-analyzes-2020-election-provides-context-for-22.php)

All six Republican candidates for governor took part in a televised debate this week, discussing their stands on gun control, abortion and other issues. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss where the race is headed.

The Census Bureau says Illinois' population may actually have grown during the 2010s. Plus, DCFS Director Marc Smith is held in contempt again and gas station owners sue over signage they will soon be required to post on gas pumps. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Beth Hundsdorfer break down the news of the week.

Illinois politicians react to the leaked draft opinion suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court is about to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Peter Hancock, Jerry Nowicki and Grace Kinnicutt discuss those developments and other news of the week.

A bill that infuses $2.7 billion into the state's beleaguered Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund has become one of the most hotly debated issues in Springfield. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki discuss what it's all about.