Governor debate a big disappointment

What a waste of an hour!

Just watched the debate for Illinois governor hoping to hear a differentiation between the candidates, but instead heard more of the usual responses and vanilla questions by otherwise seemingly intelligent questioners.

Interesting that in the opening question (about the opportunity for collaboration/problem-solving with the legislature), neither candidate came even close to mentioning Mike Madigan (or much at all in the rest of the debate for that matter).

These two men think they will (or do) control much that goes on in Springfield, but if they think they will do anything without the "blessing" of Mr. Madigan, they are mistaken. Maybe it is for that very reason that there was no (or not much) name-dropping. Surprised they were allowed to get away with that.

Neither candidate had specifics (and were very hard pressed to provide them). Shame on the candidates for not being ready with rebuttals for legislative proposals that countered their own.

Shame on the journalists whose questioning seemed more concerned with asking their questions, than hearing the answers (with a few appreciated exceptions).

At other times, the questions were so confounding the candidates weren't sure who was to answer what and when.

And while I'm at it, shame on the League of Women's' Voters for excluding "fringe" candidates from the debate. Maybe that would help to bring more sense and specifics to the debate.

Disappointing all around.

Chris Dransoff

Batavia