Gubernatorial Candidates Avoid Issues, Voters

AARP Urges Candidates to Talk Substance, Accept Forum Invitation

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Sep 12, 2014, 12:00 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With less than two months before the election, Illinois voters ages 50+ want Governor Pat Quinn and his opponent Bruce Rauner to address critical economic and financial security issues the state is facing, and engage with the public instead of avoiding specifics and resorting to character attacks, jargon and spin. A recent editorial cartoon in the Chicago Tribune described the situation better, by picturing both candidates as a couple of empty chairs.

A recent AARP survey found that nearly half of 50+ voters say it's hard to find objective and reliable information about the positions of candidates running for office this election. Eighty-six percent of voters believe that both gubernatorial candidates need to do more to explain their positions on jobs and the economy. Other issues that are top of mind for Illinois voters 50+ include long term care services, utilities, caregiving and helping people save for retirement.

"Individuals are postponing retirement because they cannot afford it, working families are struggling to make ends meet and incomes do not keep up with the increasing cost of living. These are the critical issues Illinois voters want gubernatorial candidates to address," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "Unfortunately, both candidates keep avoiding substantive responses and positions on these issues, and they keep avoiding facing voters through public debates."

The survey found that over 90% of Illinois voters 50+ say that Governor Quinn and Bruce Rauner's positions on jobs and the economy are important in helping them make their voting decisions this year in the gubernatorial election. Meanwhile, 86% of voters say that both gubernatorial candidates need to do more to explain their positions on these issues.

"AARP has invited both Governor Quinn and Bruce Rauner to a Gubernatorial Forum where each candidate would have the opportunity to address the concerns of the 50+ population in a public way," added Gallo. "It is disappointing that thus far, neither candidate has accepted our invitation."

AARP Illinois, along with partner organizations 89 WLS and the Union League Club of Chicago, invited both candidates to participate in a Gubernatorial Forum that would be broadcast live to a statewide audience. To date, AARP has not received a response from either candidate.

SOURCE AARP Illinois