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RFM NEWS EXCLUSIVE
Chicago, Illinois
www.RFMNEWS.com
Dan@rfmnews.com
October 3, 2002
Illinois Forum to launch exploratory committee / Considers holding future statewide debates
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS (RFM NEWS) The Illinois Forum will announce plans to possibly sponsor political debates in future statewide election years.
"Soon, the Illinois Forum will launch an exploratory committee looking into the feasibility of holding future debates," said former U.S. Rep. Dan Crane, the Chairman of Illinois Forum's Board of Governors. "This is a serious effort and, hopefully, the residents of our state will benefit from such an endeavor."
The Illinois Forum is a public policy think tank headquartered in Champaign.
"During recent years, it has become apparent political debates have excluded some viable candidates for statewide office," said Robert S. Redfern, Chairman of the Illinois Forum. "There has been a well-orchestrated effort to freeze out candidates from third parties. Unfortunately, some extremely qualified individuals seeking office have not been given the opportunity to participate in recent debates. These individuals have been excluded from debates in general elections and, in some cases, qualified candidates have been shut out from the debates in primaries as well."
Redfern added, "The Illinois Forum's intent is to offer state voters a chance to hear from individuals seeking statewide office in an inclusive, rather than an exclusive, debate process. We are going to look into the possibility of offering an alternative."
Redfern cited the recent exclusion of Libertarian Cal Skinner from three planned debates between Republican Jim Ryan and Democrat Rod Blagojevich.
Redfern also pointed to the 1998 Republican primary where Chad Koppie challenged George Ryan for the GOP nomination. Koppie eventually tallied nearly 20% of the vote in the GOP primary. Yet Koppie did not have an opportunity to debate Ryan and there was essentially no outcry from the press concerning calls for a debate between Ryan and his challenger.
"We are seeing the same scenario unfold during the present election cycle," Redfern continued. "By all indications, including the results of some highly credible polling, Skinner should be included in at least one debate. But it's apparent, like Koppie in '98, Skinner will also be excluded from the debate process. It's unfair to Skinner and, more important, it's unfair to the people of this state. The Illinois Forum intends to look into opening up the debate process in Illinois."
For the first time in 30 years, the League of Women Voters will not hold a gubernatorial debate. Many political observers believe the fact Skinner has met the organization's criteria for debate participants, has resulted in Ryan and Blagojevich both choosing to participate in other venues which freeze Skinner out of the process.
There are currently three debates planned between Attorney General Jim Ryan and U.S. Rep. Rod Blagojevich.
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