This election, (#WNIJ2014Election) WNIJ is focusing on U.S. House races, the contest for Governor, and the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Dick Durbin. This is Durbin's fourth campaign for the office. The Democrat won each race easily, but Durbin's behavior suggests the race is closer with state Senator Jim Oberweis. That's according to NIU political scientist, Matt Streb, who notes Durbin has gone negative:
"If I'm the incumbent and I'm cruising to victory, I'm going to talk about me and how wonderful I am," Streb says. "The last thing I want to do is give credibility to my opponent. When you run a negative ad, even if it's a horrible ad, it still gives credibility to the candidate."
Most polls show Durbin up by about 10 points, but upsets happen. "No one saw Eric Cantor being defeated," Streb says, recalling the House majority leader's primary defeat. "So Durbin's been very active back in the state."
Streb describes the race between Durbin and Oberweis as a classic liberal-versus-conservative matchup. You can hear more of Streb's analysis by clicking the "Listen" link above.
The two candidates debate one more time next Wednesday, Oct. 29. WNIJ will carry this debate live starting at 8:00 p.m.
Our reports continue Monday when Streb analyzes the race in the 14th Congressional District. Here's the schedule for the remaining interviews:
Tuesday, Oct. 28: 16th Congressional District;
Wednesday, Oct. 29: 17th Congressional District;
Thursday, Oct. 30: 11th and 8th Congressional Districts;
Friday, Oct. 31: Governor's race.
