Quinn, Brady Trade Barbs At Gubernatorial Debate
ELMHURST, Ill. (CBS/ AP) The major-party candidates for Illinois governor staked out fundamental differences on gay rights and capital punishment.
In a debate Sunday at Elmhurst College, Republican Bill Brady defended his position against protecting gay people from discrimination or letting gay couples marry.
Brady, a state senator from Bloomington, said his beliefs are his beliefs and he thinks the people of Illinois respect that. He also says his agenda is jobs and the budget, not social issues.
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn said he believes in tolerance and that he'll oppose any effort to let gay people be fired for their sexual orientation.
Quinn also said he would continue the moratorium on executions, while Brady said executions are the law of the land and he would resume putting criminals to death.
Brady and Quinn also attacked each other's honesty and integrity.
Quinn called Brady a "walking conflict of interest" and said the Republican candidate has voted on legislation that would benefit his business interests. He pointed out Brady says he never "knowingly" voted on legislation affecting his business -- the kind of excuse you hear from the defendant in a trial.
Brady shot back that Quinn was lying. He noted that Quinn once vouched for the honesty of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who wound up being charged with federal crimes.
Quinn, a Chicago Democrat and tax attorney, was twice elected Illinois lieutenant governor alongside Blagojevich. But lawmakers threw Blagojevich out of office in early 2009, and Quinn was sworn in.
Also running for governor are Green Party candidate Rich Whitney and independent Scott Lee Cohen. Neither was invited to participate in Sunday's debate; both candidates cried foul over their exclusion.
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