Note: Governor Rod Blagojevich originally accepted our invitation to join tonight's candidate forum. Several weeks ago, he backed out of that commitment, saying he couldn't reach an agreement with his opponent on when or where to appear.

Race for Governor of Illinois

Phil Ponce talks one-on-one with Republican candidate Judy Baar Topinka about her vision for Illinois.

We'll take a closer look at the impact of third parties on the political process, and we'll hear from the Green Party candidate for governor, Rich Whitney.

Former governor Jim Edgar and his 1994 Democratic challenger Dawn Clark Netsch join us to talk about improving the way we pick our governor.

Finally, we'll have a freewheeling discussion among the three candidates for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois: Democrat Pat Quinn, Green Party candidate Julie Samuels, and Republican Joe Birkett.

Tonight's program is made possible with the help of the City Club of Chicago.