|
 |
Ryan picks up Illinois governorship
|
|
George Ryan
| |
(AllPolitics, November 3) -- Republican candidate George Ryan wins the statehouse in the "Land of Lincoln."
Gun control was a hot issue in the race. In Illinois, 72 percent of voters favor tougher gun control laws, and those voters were solidly behind Ryan. Ryan had attacked Democratic nominee Congressman Glenn Poshard for his past opposition to gun control laws.~
~
Even though Ryan aired many pro-gun control campaign ads against Poshard,
Ryan didn't alienate conservative gun control opponents. More than half of the voters who oppose stricter gun control laws also voted for Ryan.
Ryan is an uncontroversial, moderate Republican, while Poshard is a relatively conservative Democrat. Both are Army veterans, and both are opposed to abortion.
Perhaps the biggest divide between Poshard, a five-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Ryan, a former lieutenant governor and now secretary of state, was money.
Poshard hurt by fund limits
|
|
Glenn Poshard
| |
Illinois law places almost no limits on contributions, and Ryan had almost no problem raising cash. He was predicted to spend $13 million, and his TV commercials filled the air almost since the primary. Ryan had the backing of the outgoing governor and the state's GOP political establishment, which wanted to extend Republican control of the governor's office to 26 years.
Poshard was hampered by a self-imposed limit on contributions. He pledged to refuse special-interest and corporate donations, and he would not take individual contributions of more than $4,000. With the retirement of Republican Gov. Jim Edgar, Poshard was the Democratic party's best opportunity to win a gubernatorial election in the state since 1972.
The AFL-CIO promised to be very active in supporting Poshard's candidacy, but Ryan was a well-established political figure.
Poshard had trouble rallying Chicago Democrats to his cause, which is one reason why Ryan opened up a considerable lead in the polls. Poshard angered his party liberals with his opposition to both abortion and to many gun control measures.
Poshard criticized his opponent for his extensive use of state "perks" and complained that the Republican is part of "a scandal-ridden reign of government." Ryan was not a target in the probe of crooked state workers who allegedly sold licenses to unqualified drivers.
But Poshard got a boost in the polls after the state Democratic Party ran an ad criticizing Ryan's oversight of the driving license facility. The ad also pointed out how one truck driver who obtained a commercial license allegedly caused an accident that killed several children.
After the ad ran, nearly one third of all voters polled said the situation made them less likely to vote for Ryan.
OVERVIEW:
SENATE RACES:
HOUSE RACES:
GOVERNORS' RACES:
BALLOT RACES:
|
