© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Join the NPR Illinois team!

Community Voices is seeking a co-host/editor to join Jeff Williams and Randy Eccles in getting to know our neighbors and more. Apply by May 25, 5 p.m.

The news department is seeking part-time fill-in anchor/reporters who are available either weekdays from 5:30 to 9 a.m. and/or 3:30 to 6 p.m. Apply by June 5, 5 p.m.

State Week: Polls, Puppets and Cash

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford,
Brian Mackey, Amanda Vinicky, Charles N. Wheeler III
Published October 7, 2016 at 10:45 PM CDT
State Week 23 logo (capitol dome)
Brian Mackey
/
NPR Illinois

The Simon Poll says incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk is 14 points behind Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth. Democrats and Republicans are trying to use the other side's unpopular leaders to sink down-ballot candidates. Plus, Illinois is awash in campaign cash.

Sean Crawford hosts with regular panelists Charlie Wheeler, Amanda Vinicky and Brian Mackey.
Tags
John CullertonMichael MadiganBruce RaunerMark Kirkcampaign financeTammy Duckworthelection 2016Leslie MungerSusana Mendoza
Sean Crawford
Email Sean Crawford
See stories by Sean Crawford
Brian Mackey
Brian Mackey hosts The 21st Show and formerly reported on state government.
See stories by Brian Mackey
Amanda Vinicky
Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
See stories by Amanda Vinicky
Charles N. Wheeler III
The former director of the Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) graduate program is Professor Charles N. Wheeler III, a veteran newsman who came to the University of Illinois at Springfield following a 24-year career at the Chicago Sun-Times.
See stories by Charles N. Wheeler III
Related Stories