Jim Nowlan

Gambling is ubiquitous in Illinois, and it is projected to expand dramatically. We can reduce the impact of gambling without prohibiting it.

Why is all so downbeat, when Illinois has strengths and assets that other states envy?

Neither American political party speaks for the suburbs, which tend to be moderate on social issues, and more conservative on spending.

Illinois is just above the middle of the pack against national averages for achievement. But the pack fares badly against other countries.

Our debt endangers the future of America; Congress has failed us. They know it, but can’t bring themselves to address the problem.

Jim Edgar's greatest legacy is a program he created to imbue smart, young people from across Illinois with his devotion to doing good.

Extreme gerrymandering corrupts our democracy by denying most registered voters a role in elections and eliminating competition.

Politicians like to do things for the voters (as in new spending), but not to them (as in new taxes to pay for the outlays).

Gerrymandering creates a situation in which a challenge to the incumbents looks hopeless. But it isn’t, and there are other reasons to run.

Where do we want Illinois to be in 10 to 20 years? The state's young leaders should create a vision.