With the state’s primary election just a day away, Eastern’s democrats and republicans are reflecting on the condition of their respective parties.

“I’m encouraged by it,” said Jared Hausmann, a senior political science major and president of EIU republicans, when asked about the state of the republicans. “The Republican Party demonstrates an understanding of the cause and solution to our current economic crisis.”

Hausmann also acknowledged the Republican Party’s weaknesses, saying that it has not stuck to its principles in recent years.

“We didn’t govern according to our principles, and we got burned for it,” he said. Hausmann remains optimistic about their future, however.

“People are receptive to the idea of limiting the government,” Hausmann said.

Andy McLaughlin, a senior communications studies major and president of EIU College Democrats, shared similar thoughts on the state of the Democratic Party.

“Although the party as a whole seems to be frazzled and in decision, I just feel that we need to follow our leadership,” McLaughlin said.

“They must define themselves as capable of solving the problems we face not simply as members of the Democratic Party,” said Democratic Party adviser Kevin Anderson. “They must offer specific policies designed to engage with the problems of the moment. That will bolster their credibility in the face of campaign criticism.”

Much of the focus during this election season has been on the nomination for governor. The race is too close to call on the republican side, with three candidates – Andy McKenna, Kirk Dillard and Jim Ryan – neck-and-neck for the nomination.

The state’s current Democratic governor, Pat Quinn, has found himself in a similar situation with Comptroller Dan Hynes. Quinn, who once held a fairly sizeable lead over Hynes, is now in danger of losing his bid for the nomination after concerns arose regarding his leadership abilities and controversy set in over the early release of inmates at state prisons.

Job creation is one of the issues weighing heaviest on voters’ minds before Tuesday’s primary, especially after the state’s unemployment rate crept up to nearly 11 percent in December, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

“The top priority of all voters is to decrease the unemployment rate,” McLaughlin said. “Anyone that can persuade constituents that they can decrease the unemployment rate will be the best off.”

Voters will also likely be thinking of the candidate best suited to inherit and alleviate the state’s crippling $11 billion budget deficit.

Anderson said some of the state’s financial problems could be solved by legislators discussing options to increase revenue, which could include possible tax increases and spending cuts to lessen the impact on citizens.

“I think the voters of Illinois are ready for political leaders to make tough decisions about the budget,” said Anderson. “They are tired of scandals and will punish those politicians who they believe are not working to fix our problems or who they perceive as trying to take personal advantage of the system.”

Hausmann hopes those who are elected will keep history in mind after the upcoming election.

“It’s important for our elected officials to understand how decades of government growth have caused problems in the economy,” said Hausmann. “Conservatives must be committed to ending our system of crony capitalism and letting the free market work.”

The Illinois primary election will take place on Tuesday.

Emily Reid can be reached at 581-794 or at ejreid2@eiu.edu.