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GOP Candidates for Governor Talk Stimulus
Candidates in the Republican primary for governor are walking a fine line when it comes to money from the federal stimulus program.

On one hand, they want the money, given the state's financial situation and their promises to resolve the budget imbalance without raising taxes. On the other, the conservative base in the Republican primary doesn't want President Obama to get credit for anything, and of course they know the money was borrowed by the federal government and taxpayers will have to pay it back at some point.

Jim Ryan: "We have problems and I would accept the money, subject to looking at what strings were attached."

State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) says he would take the money too, though he worries about "mandates that will be heaped upon us by a socialistic Washington."

State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) says this one-time revenue should be spent on one-time expenses such as capital projects.

Andy McKenna says receiving and spending stimulus money will expand the state budget, and make it hard to contract when the money goes away.

Bob Schillerstrom says he would take the money without reservation. "It's our money," he says.

Illinois has received $5 billion so far, using it for infrastructure and for Medicaid and extending unemployment benefits.

(Illinois Radio Network)
01 17 10 by Newsroom
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