The problem is that people don't believe that there's no quid pro quo. We've seen too many stories... talking about 'pay to play,' and that's what this looks like.

Very clearly, Illinois is on the wrong path. Good jobs are leaving. Our education system is in dire need of repair. And you wake up every morning, and what do you see? Another investigation seems to be kicked off into some form of political corruption.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Meyer family. Steve was a devoted Republican and member of the Illinois Republican Party who worked hard to build our state organization and advance its principles. He served our state party well with his leadership, passion and hard work. He will be greatly missed.

It's nothing new to see we have a corruption problem. We need a change of administration and change of thought.

We need to get the government off the back of the business community. We need to be a more job-friendly place.

This isn't going to be an easy fight, but Steve and I recognize we can wage a better battle if we join forces.

We have turned the 'Land of Lincoln' into the land of jackpot-justice.

Making an outrageous statement, unless she can prove it, seems to me that she's trying to change the headlines.

I would just as soon not have to run against Jim Edgar. Jim Edgar occupies much of the same space that I'm targeting, and it would have been a more competitive race from my standpoint.