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Hardiman Swipes Quinn For Not Debating

Tio Hardiman
Courtesy of HardimanForIllinois.com
Tio Hardiman
Tio Hardiman
Credit Courtesy of HardimanForIllinois.com
Tio Hardiman

  Democratic candidate for governor Tio Hardiman is lashing out at incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn for refusing to debate in the run-up to the March primary. Quinn isn't saying much in response.

Brian Mackey reports on Democratic candidate Tio Hardiman's call for Gov. Pat Quinn to engage in debate.

A spokeswoman for the Quinn campaign previously said there would be no debates between he andHardiman.

On Wednesday, the governor was asked why voters shouldn't be able to hear from both men face to face.

"Well, they know where I stand," he said. "And I think he can make his campaign and I'll make mine, and voters will decide."

Hardiman, on the other hand, says:

"I don't know what the hell he's talking about. I'll just be honest with you. Quinn knows that he's been an absolute failure, so show up. Man up."

Hardiman is a former anti-violence activist from Hillside. He points to Illinois still having one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country and massive unemployment among low-income African American teenagers.

Hardiman has had a hard time attracting attention to his campaign, raising very little money for advertising. But he continues to appear at events, making direct appeals to voters.

Copyright 2014 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.