GOP gubernatorial hopefuls debate tonight

Most of the Republican candidates for governor will square off tonight in Springfield at a debate hosted by the local Citizens Club.

Set to attend: Hinsdale businessman Adam Andrzejewski, state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington, state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, Chicago conservative commentator Dan Proft, former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan of Elmhurst and DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom of Naperville.

That leaves former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna of Chicago as the lone no-show.

A McKenna campaign spokesman said a Chicago fundraiser had already been scheduled when the debate invitation arrived, but that McKenna is committed to other upcoming GOP debates.

Tonight's 90-minute debate in Springfield starts at 7 p.m. Check out dailyherald.com and tomorrow's paper for coverage.

In their own words

The Daily Herald had Senate Republican candidate Pat Hughes in for an editorial board meeting last week and Joseph Ryan interviewed former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan (no relation) on WBBM 780 a.m.

Here are some enlightening statements that didn't make the original coverage.

First up is Hughes, a Hinsdale real estate developer who has gained support from several conservative groups.

On Afghanistan: "The timetable is an absolute mistake."

On cap and trade: "It will bring the economy to a halt."

On blacks: "Democrats have done nothing to improve the lives of African-Americans in the last 40 years."

On U.S. Sens. John McCain and John Kerry: "It is time to get out of the Senate, guys."

On accusations President Barack Obama is not a citizen: "I'm a serious guy. These are serious times. That (talk) undermines our democracy."

On gays: "Love (them) as a Christian just like anyone else." But opposes gay marriage.

On "don't ask, don't tell:" "The U.S. military is not a social program." He supports the rule.

And now Ryan, an Elmhurst Republican who is running for governor for a second time.

On the current state of Illinois: "We have become, I hate to say this, a laughingstock."

On unequal education funding: "We are not in heaven yet. There is no perfect solution."

On former friend Stuart Levine, now a felon: "He ruined his life ... I have a clear conscience."

On not apologizing to Rolando Cruz until running for governor: "I didn't want to impact the outcome of that case." (Brian Dugan trial)

On the death penalty: "I do think the state has a right to take a life. The right to life is sacred ... but it is conditioned on your behavior."

On Cruz asking for a meeting with Ryan after the apology: "I haven't given it much thought. I haven't excluded the possibility ... He knows what I said."