Candidates for the 54th District State Senate and 107th District State Representative races squared off in their first debates during a forum hosted by WKRV-WPMB in Vandalia on Thursday night. In opening the State Senate portion of the evening, Democrat candidate Brian Stout said he chose to run for the seat because he wanted Southern Illinois to have a true voice in Springfield.
Republican candidate Jason Plummer pointed to the untapped resources of the state and his will to fight for Southern Illinois as his reason for running for the office.
Meanwhile, in the race for the 107th State Representative, Democrat David Seiler says he feels the State of Illinois needs to have a greater vision.
And Republican candidate Blaine Wilhour says he is tired of seeing Illinois suffer under poor economic conditions.
We will hear more from the Candidates Forum, including from candidates for county offices, coming up next week on Newscenter.