In a gubernatorial race too close to call, with 99% reporting Pat Quinn is leading Bill Brady (Republican) by a wafer-thin margin of 46.6% to 46.1%. Quinn is a Democrat and incumbent governor of Illinois.
This article presents an unbiased overview of the positions of both candidates. See also Alexi Giannoulias vs Mark Kirk.
Comparison chart
 | Bill Brady | Pat Quinn |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | May 15, 1961 | December 16, 1948 |
| Place of birth | Bloomington, Illinois | Hinsdale, Illinois |
| Political Party | Republican | Democrat |
| Position on abortion | Pro-life | Pro-choice |
| Position on gay marriage | Opposed | Supportive |
| Position on gun control | Supports the right to "conceal carry" guns | Opposes "conceal carry" and supports enacting gun control legislation |
| Position on healthcare | More individual responsibility and involvement in healthcare through medical savings accounts | Believes Healthcare is a right for all individuals; supports a single-payer system |
| Economic policy | Primarily focused on tax cuts to spur job growth | Primarily focused on on government spending to spur job growth |
Early Life and Political Career
Bill Brady was born in Bloomington, Illinois in 1961. He is a businessman and a politician. He is co-owner of Brady Homes, one of Central Illinois' largest home builders; a Days Inn motel in Danville, Illinois; a ReMax realty agency; and an Amish furniture store among other business holdings. His political career includes serving in the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 88th District from 1993 to 2000; and being a member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 44th Legislative District since May 2002. He ran for Governor in 2006 but was unable to secure the Republican nomination when he lost the primary to Judy Baar Topinka.
Pat Quinn was born in Hinsdale, Illinois in 1948. He was a tax attorney before his career in public office. His political career includes serving as Treasurer of Illinois 1991 to January 1995 and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois from 2003 to January 2009, when he then Governor Rod Blagojevich was ousted on corruption charges and Quinn was sworn in by virtue of being Lt. Governor.
Economic Policy
Bill Brady supports lowering Illinois's minimum wage rom its current $8.25 per hour to match the federal minimum wage of $7.25.[1] His economic policy calls for tax credits to reward businesses when they hire new employees. Brady's jobs plan (PDF) mentions a two-year, $3,750 tax credit to businesses for every new job they create, $2,500 in the first year and $1,250 in the second year. Brady opposes a graduated income tax (where higher earners are taxed at a higher rate on any income over certain thresholds). Other proposals from Brady include:
- Eliminating the Estate Tax. Illinois exempts paying estate taxes if the property being inherited is less than $2 million in value. Brady proposes to abolish this tax altogether.
- Eliminate sales tax on gasoline
Proposals outlined in incumbent Governor Pat Quinn's jobs plan include:
- Investing state funds in road and bridge projects.
- Building a railway network
- Expanded eligibility for Illinois households to receive federal funding for home weatherization project
- Use the state’s assets to help provide access to the capital that new businesses need.
Stand on Social Issues
Brady and Quinn both by and large follow the party line when it comes to social issues.
Position on Healthcare reform
If elected governor, Brady promises to "maximize implementation of medical savings accounts as a means to allow people to be more involved in their health care decisions." Brady voted against extending parental health insurance to unmarried dependents.
On the other hand, Quinn believes that healthcare is a fundamental right and not a privilege. He has been a vocal advocate for healthcare reform and a strong supporter of a public option.
Position on Gun Control
Bill Brady is of the opinion that concealed carry of firearms should be legalized in Illinois. He is not in support of any further restriction on ownership of firearms in the state. On the other hand, Pat Quinn has been endorsed by the anti-gun group Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
Position on Abortion
Bill Brady is pro-life. He doesn't support abortions (undertaken under any circumstances) except when the expectant mother's life is at risk. On the other hand, Pat Quinn "supports a woman's right to privacy and choice without restriction as embodied in Roe v. Wade."
Position on same sex marriage
Brady supports the Illinois state constitutional amendment where marriage is defined as "…between one man and one woman". He is thus opposed to gay marriage. On the other hand, Pat Quinn supports equal rights for LGBT community. Quinn has the support of Equality Illinois, a leading gay rights organization.[2]
Campaign Highlights
In a close race, both campaigns have run attack ads against each other. As of early September, they had not participated in any political debates.
Brady vs Quinn Opinion Polls
Opinion polls indicate that the Brady - Quinn race is one of the closest races in the 2010 elections.
| Poll Source | Date(s) Administered | Pat Quinn (D) | Bill Brady (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Tribune (report) | Aug. 28 - Sept. 1, 2010 | 32% | 37% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | August 23, 2010 | 37% | 46% |
| Public Policy Polling (report) | August 14-15, 2010 | 30% | 39% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | August 9, 2010 | 35% | 48% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | July 27, 2010 | 37% | 44% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | July 7, 2010 | 40% | 43% |
| Public Policy Polling (report) | June 12-13, 2010 | 30% | 34% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | June 7, 2010 | 36% | 47% |
| Research 2000 (report) | May 3-5, 2010 | 36% | 39% |
| We Ask America ([3]) | May 2, 2010 | 31.15% | 46.25% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | April 28, 2010 | 38% | 45% |
| Rasmussen Reports ([4]) | April 8, 2010 | 38% | 45% |
| Public Policy Polling (report) | April 5, 2010 | 33% | 43% |
| We Ask America ([5]) | March 10, 2010 | 31.58% | 44.61% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | March 8, 2010 | 37% | 47% |
| Research 2000 (report) | February 22–24, 2010 | 47% | 32% |
| The Illinois Poll (report) | February 7, 2010 | 42% | 31% |
| Rasmussen Reports (report) | December 14, 2009 | 45% | 30% |
References
- http://www.bradyforillinois.com/
- http://www.quinnforillinois.com/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Brady_(Illinois_politician)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Quinn_(politician)
- http://www.ontheissues.org/Pat_Quinn.htm
- http://www.ontheissues.org/governor/Pat_Quinn_Abortion.htm
- http://www.whoisbillbrady.com/
- http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/elections/ct-met-democratic-governor-debate-20100119,0,7345823.story
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-ormsby/despite-1-million-in-tv-a_b_625681.html
- http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/elections/ct-met-illinois-governors-race-tv-ad-20100713,0,7775758.story
Andrew Cuomo 
Alexi Giannoulias 
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