By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Now that the November ballot has been all but certified, the gubernatorial candidates from independent political parties want to be included in the TV debates.
Illinois State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich said the next step for the ballot after objections are heard and processed is certification in August.
“We’ve got early voting and applications for mail-in ballots starting in September, so we want to get these things wrapped up as soon as possible,” Dietrich said.
There were only 11 objections filed by Monday’s deadline, mostly for non-statewide third-party candidates. There were no objections filed against Conservative Party candidate Sam McCann’s gubernatorial bid, or any of the Libertarian candidates for statewide office.
After turning in tens of thousands of signatures to get on the ballot, Libertarian candidate for governor Kash Jackson said voters deserve to hear his platform.
“We collected nearly 50,000 signatures just to get on the ballot, so you can bet your bottom dollar we’re going to fight to get into the debates,” Jackson said. “That’s something Illinois voters deserve to see. It’s not about me, and it’s not about them. It’s about the voters. The voters deserve to have us in the debates.”
State Sen. Sam McCann, R-Plainview, who filed tens of thousands of signatures to run as the Conservative Party candidate, put out a statement immediately calling for debates.
“With Illinois’ future at stake, I call on Bruce Rauner, J.B. Pritzker and Kash Jackson to join me to schedule debates on these and other issues of critical importance to voters across the state,” McCann said in the statement.
Democrat J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said it “welcomes other voices to the stage.” Republican incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner’s campaign didn’t immediately respond.
Traditionally, all members of such events must agree to the terms, like whether it’s a forum or a debate, and who is to participate.
Last month, after filing signatures, McCann said he’s already received one invitation.
“The State Journal-Register I believe has already extended the invitation if we meet the challenge and I accept that invitation,” McCann said.
SJ-R Executive Editor Angie Muhs said both campaigns for Rauner and Pritzker “have declined to participate in a debate proposed by the SJR, WMAY and University of Illinois Springfield.”
“We’re disappointed, as we believe that it would be important for the candidates for governor to appear in person before voters in the state capital to discuss their positions and plans,” Muhs said in an email. “Should Gov. Rauner and/or Mr. Pritzker reconsider, we would welcome the participation of Sen. McCann and Mr. Jackson in a debate, given that they will be on the fall ballot.”
Libertarian Party of Illinois state chairman Bennett Morris said if a candidate is on the ballot, they should be included in debates, including those for comptroller, treasurer and beyond.
“We need more than two voices on the debate stage and we need voters to understand that they have more than the two authoritarian parties to choose from,” Morris said.
