In addition, each candidate has met with the editorial board and answered questions regarding their campaigns, their stances on issues and their plans if elected. The 104th District covers mostly the eastern and northern parts of Champaign-Urbana. For state representative for the 104th District, The Daily Illini endorses Democratic candidate Chub Conner. Conner is running against Republican Tom Berns and write-in Libertarian Party candidate Dave Wood. While both opponents are formidable, Conner's values stand out.
Gun control is the issue that stands out.
Conner supports required background checks and a mandatory waiting period on all gun purchases. Conner, a hunter, is not in favor of taking weapons out of the hands of law-abiding citizens, and feels that a waiting period and background checks are a reasonable requirement for the legal sale of firearms for purposes of sport. Berns, on the other hand, is not in favor of any new gun laws, and in addition, feels that people should have the right to carry concealed weapons for special purposes. To him, enforcement alone is the way to go. We couldn't agree less.