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Illinois Gov. Candidates Cover Income Tax, Pension Law In Final Debate

twitter.com/BruceRauner; twitter.com/QuinnforIL

The candidates for Illinois governor made their case to voters in the third and final televised debate before the November election.

Monday's debate was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Illinois.

One question involved the pension law, signed by Incumbent Pat Quinn. A panelist wanted to know what Quinn would do if the state Supreme Court overturns the law.

Quinn repeated a phrase he used often in his campaign, that he doesn't take an aspirin before he gets a headache.

"What I would do is work again with the members of the legislature -- both parties, both Houses -- on a plan that the Supreme Court outlines as constitutional." --- Gov. Pat Quinn

Republican Bruce Rauner said he believes the law is unconstitutional.

"The right answer, I believe -- it's both fair and constitutional -- is to create a second pension for future work that's different. It's more of a defined contribution style plan." --- Republican Bruce Rauner

Other issues covered in the debate included the state income tax and immigration reform, like what Governor Pat Quinn would do when the 5 percent income tax rate ends in 2015.

"We need to maintain the income tax, at the same time give annual, direct, property tax relief -- a 500 dollar refund -- to every single homeowner in this state." --- Gov. Pat Quinn

Though Quinn wouldn’t say what he’d do if he loses the race.

Meanwhile, in new issues to the debate cycle, Republican challenger Bruce Rauner came out in full support of immigration reform.

"I am very pro-immigrant, I am very pro-immigration reform. I support the DREAM Act, I support comprehensive immigration reform, and I want to make Illinois a welcoming state for immigrants from all over the world." --- Republican Bruce Rauner

Rauner also said he wouldn’t repeal - and is comfortable with - the state law on same sex marriage.

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