McLaughlin singled out economical development as being of interest to the University. We want to bring in businesses that will make our engineering graduates want to stay. Emphasizing Ewing's farming experience, McLaughlin said Ewing is the only candidate who is a farmer. McLaughlin added that Ewing has a vested interest in the well-being of small farmers. McLaughlin said they are holding 11 fundraisers in the next three months and plan to raise roughly a quarter of a million dollars to finance Ewing's campaign.
People like to elect people they know.
Johnson, the third Republican candidate, has been an Illinois legislator for 23 years and was a member of the Urbana City Council. Johnson has been endorsed by Piatt, Douglas, Ford and Kankakee County Republicans and Gov. George Ryan. He said he thinks higher education is a large priority and that he is in favor of letting families run education. Mike Kelleher has been campaigning on the Democratic ticket since March. He's right-wing and kind of extreme.