By Matt Groves
ROCKFORD (WREX)
A forum held in downtown Rockford draws candidates from house and senate districts with the opportunity to be heard.
Familiar faces in the Illinois House and Senate races turned out for another chance to speak as a March 20th primary looms just around the corner.
Voters showed support and came to lend an ear as the hopeful candidates answered questions and pitched policies.
"Very helpful in terms of learning about the core values of the different candidates," said audience member Glen Weber. "Each candidate brings a different perspective and core values. It was good to hear from them in order to educate myself on their various races."
While not all voters were unclear as to whom they'd vote for coming in to the forum, some say it was still nice to hear what candidates from other districts had to say.
"I heard several of them present ideas as to what they would do," said audience member Alice Heath. "I liked hearing the specifics and the action part of it."
Voters weren't the only ones who found the forum helpful, educational and informative. Candidates such as Chuck Jefferson who is running for re-election in the 67th house district against Gloria Lind felt confident after the forum.
"I spoke the facts, I run on my record," said Democratic Representative Chuck Jefferson. "I don't stand on anyone else's record. What anyone's done in the past. This is what I've done, what I'll continue to do."
First-timer John Cabello is running unopposed for the 68th House district. He will face either Democrats Carl Wasco or Clint Little in the general election. Cabello says the diversity of the crowd helped him receive a wider range of feedback.
"Its always good to hear from people in the region because you're not always going to be representing the constituents of the 68th but you're actually going to be representing the region," he said.
First Presbyterian Church hosted the forum. Sue Stephens and the Rockford League of Women Voters.
