Voters to decide Democratic treasurer nominee

SPRINGFIELD - Robin Kelly and Justin Oberman will face off in the final round of Democratic primaries for state treasurer Tuesday that will determine who will advance to the general elections.

After Feb. 2, voters will propel one of the two into November's race, which already has Republican Dan Rutherford of Chenoa and Green Party candidate Scott Summers of Harvard slated for the ballot.

November's winner will be responsible for the state overseeing investments, paying bills and safekeeping funds. The office of about 180 employees operates on an annual budget of roughly $25 million under the comptroller, who receives a salary of about $135,000.

Kelly's bid for treasurer springs from her experience as chief of staff for current state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and as a former state representative for Cook County. Kelly, 53, who lives in Matteson, has pledged to help create jobs as treasurer and support green energy programs, in addition to securing state investments.

Justin Oberman, 35, of Chicago enters the race as a former executive for the U.S. departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, and currently works for a capital investment firm.

On the campaign trail, Oberman pledged to refuse campaign contributions from banks, treasurer's office employees or companies who receive funds from the treasurer's office in an effort to lead ethics reform. He also attacked the office of Giannoulias for losing money for state college savings funds.