Spirited, Informative Political Forum Featuring Legislative Hopefuls

(FROM LEFT, DEMOCRAT DAVE SEILER AND REPUBLICAN BLAINE WILHOUR, CANDIDATES FOR 107TH HOUSE DISTRICT; REPUBLICAN DARREN BAILEY AND DEMOCRAT CYNTHIA GIVEN, CANDIDATES FOR 109TH HOUSE DISTRICT; AND REPUBLICAN JASON PLUMMER AND DEMOCRAT BRIAN STOUT, CANDIDATES FOR 54TH SENATE DISTRICT)

A political forum that provided spirited debate between the candidates was held Friday morning featuring the hopefuls for the 107th House District, the 109th House District, and the 54th Senate District. The forum was sponsored by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and the Effingham County Farm Bureau. The event was held at the Effingham Holiday Inn.

All six candidates participated; 107th House District candidates Democrat David Seiler and Republican Blaine Wilhour; 109th House District candidates Democrat Cynthia Given and Republican Darren Bailey, and 54th Senate District candidates Democrat Brian Stout and Republican Jason Plummer. Eric Zeller of Effingham Opthalmology Associates moderated the forum.

Candidates were asked about what they see as their qualifications for office, why they're running, being accessible, and whether they would locate an office in Effingham County if elected. They were also asked about how they will balance their legislative and constituent duties with their existing obligations if they're elected.

One area of disagreement was the state tax structure with some candidates favoring a progressive tax while others preferred remaining with a flat tax.

There was talk of "cutting out waste" in state government, although there were some admonitions against cutting to the effect of hurting those in need.

The testiest contest was between Plummer and Stout, who crossed swords at several points during the forum. There were also instances of Democrats criticizing Governor Bruce Rauner while Republicans launched into House Speaker Michael Madigan.

You can listen to the forum Saturday at 9am on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com.