Illinois 15th Congressional District Democratic Primary

Though the make-up of Illinois’ 15th Congressional district has changed over the decades, the central Illinois district has not elected a Democrat to Congress in nearly thirty years (Tim Hall in 1975). AM 580’s Ali Kawa reports on the two Democrats who hope to oust Republican Tim Johnson come November.

listen to story

Focus 580 15th Congressional District candidate interviews

Illinois Seat in the U.S. Senate Primary

Congress passed the USA Patriot Act in the wake of the September 11th attacks, and it’s been at the center of a national debate ever since. The act is designed to help federal law enforcement agencies fight terrorism. But critics say it encroaches on civil liberties. Illinois’ next US senator may be voting on the Patriot Act next year. And most of the 15 candidates seeking the office in the March 16th primary say they would be willing to make changes -- some more than others. AM 580’s Jim Meadows reports.

listen to story

Focus 580 U.S. Senate candidate interviews

Sixth Judicial Circuit Republican Primary

Circuit judges in Illinois have to win one general election to get to the bench – from then on, voters decide every six years whether to retain them. For that first popular vote, though, court rules keep candidates from speaking out on issues that they may later have to rule on. That makes judicial elections relatively low-key, and this year’s Republican primary for an open seat in the Sixth Judicial Circuit is no exception. AM 580’s Tom Rogers reports.

listen to story

AM 580 News interviews with the candidates:

Heidi Ladd

Brian McPheters

Traci Nally

Champaign County State's Attorney Primary

After two terms in office, the state’s attorney in Champaign County is getting a primary challenger, a former prosecutor for the Illinois Attorney General’s office. But even though the incumbent has made some controversial decisions and the challenger is an established Republican Party member, there’s been little campaigning aside from a few personal appearances. AM 580’s Tom Rogers talked to the candidates and has this preview of the primary.

listen to story

AM 580 News interviews with the candidates:

John Piland

Bruce Ratcliffe

The No Child Left Behind Act was billed as a landmark in education reform, designed to improve student performance, hold schools and teachers accountable, and let parents move their children to other schools when their own didn't meet the mark.  Critics say the plan is underfunded and unworkable, while others say criticism of the long-range plan is premature.  AM 580's Ali Kawa reports on how the candidates running for Illinois' open US Senate seat feel about NCLB and how they propose to change it.

listen to story

Last summer, we introduced you to the Blue Ridge school district, where residents raised nearly 80-thousand dollars to help keep extra-curricular programs going after a tax referendum was voted down. On Election Day Blue Ridge voters will consider a second school tax referendum, and supporters have been waging a campaign to change the minds of skeptical residents. AM 580’s Jim Meadows reports.

listen to story (coming soon)

Champaign County Clerk's Office: http://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/

Register to Vote in Illinois: http://www.elections.state.il.us/voteinfo/pages/Register.htm

Identify and contact your Congressional Representative: http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Project Vote Smart: http://www.vote-smart.org/

The Center for Responsive Politics (Your Guide to Money in U.S. Elections): http://www.opensecrets.org/

ILsenate.com: http://www.ilsenate.com/default.asp

Politics1: http://www.politics1.com/il.htm