Metro East Sun

Jason Plummer, who is seeking the 54th District state Senate seat, said voters are the winners when it comes to public debates among candidates.

“Regardless of the specific race, debates are an important part of the process and having more of them benefits voters,” Plummer, who ran for lieutenant governor in 2010, told the Metro East Sun in an email. “Seeking public office means being answerable to the electorate and debates are an effective platform where candidates can be held accountable for what they’ve said and done.”

His comments follow questions of whether Gov. Bruce Rauner will publically debate Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), who is challenging him in the Republican primary. The two went head to head before the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune, but there has been no indication from Rauner whether there will be more public version.

In fact, one columnist has called Rauner a coward because he has declined to welcome a debate with Ives.

“The University of Illinois at Springfield, WMAY radio and the State Journal-Register tried to organize a GOP debate for next month, but according to the newspaper Rauner has indicated he won’t go,” guest columnist Scott Reeder wrote in the Tribune.

“Of course, Rauner doesn’t likely see himself as a coward. He’s probably been advised not to give his opponent an opportunity for free publicity since he is leading her in the polls. But there is a problem with that contention. When there is no debate, the loser isn’t Jeanne Ives. The losers are the voters.”

As for his candidacy, Plummer said he would welcome public discussions about his campaign.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to debate the other candidates in my state senate race and answering questions that can help voters better understand my business background and my plan to create quality jobs and bring greater opportunity to Southern Illinois," he said.

Plummer is running in the 54th District, as Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) is not seeking re-election. The area includes Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Palatine and part of Cook County.