Quinn, Rauner Vying For African-American Voters
(CBS) -- In campaign 2014: you've seen the attack ads and verbal sparring on TV, but tonight Governor Pat Quinn and Bruce Rauner will meet face to face in a televised debate right On CBS 2 at 6 p.m.
CBS 2's Susanna Song reports the candidates will be focusing primarily on issues important to the African-American community.
Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn faces Republican Bruce Rauner in next month's race for governor. Both are vying for African-American votes.
Four years ago, African-American voters in Chicago delivered a win for Quinn, who defeated Bill Brady. Yesterday, Quinn appeared at an event for veterans at Soldier Field and greeted folks at the Columbus Day Parade. Rauner also shook hands and waved at the parade.
Lights and signs and microphones and podiums are up for tonight's debate at the DuSable Museum Auditorium and crews are putting the final touches on preparations
CBS 2 has partnered with two prominent African-American community groups, the Chicago Urban League and business leadership council to bring you the hour long debate tonight.
"We have two candidates that have very different thoughts and perspectives on how to manage the state and we want to have opportunity for those two candidates to speak to our community," said Andrea Zopp, Chicago Urban League CEO.
On Tuesday, Governor Quinn was at the Merchandise Mart celebrating the expansion of 1871, Chicago's digital startup hub. A spokesperson said Quinn wasn't going to talk about the debate until it's over.
Across town in Chatham, Bruce Rauner had coffee with several religious leaders in the Black community at Fleck's Coffee Shop. Rauner told Song he's excited about the debate at the DuSable Museum.
"African-American families today are suffering terribly with unemployment, poverty, crime, low wages, lousy schools, shredding social services, he's failed the African-American community yet he's taken their vote for granted," Rauner said. "He's assuming African Americans are voting for him even though he doesn't deserve to get their vote," Rauner said.
Rauner who won the coin toss will speak first in the debate. CBS 2's Jim Williams is moderating.