Sorting out the Democratic primary for Illinois Secretary of State

Three of the Democratic candidates for Illinois secretary of state: Alexi Giannoulias; David Moore; Anna Valencia. Photo credit Alexi Giannoulias; David Moore; Anna Valencia.

By Craig Dellimore

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The issue of ethics has become a flashpoint in the Democratic primary campaign for Illinois Secretary of State, and a recent Union League Club forum for the top three party hopefuls exemplified this.

All were asked to outline their plans. As she did so, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia accused former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias of botching the college savings program in his old job. She said his family bank, which later failed, approved sketchy loans to mobsters.

Giannoulias said Valencia had used her city office to benefit her lobbyist husband.

That left the third candidate, Chicago Ald. David Moore (17th) in an interesting position. He said he's the only candidate who doesn't have ethical problems.

All three have ethics plans on their websites.

Each candidate has committed to expanding online services, beyond driver’s licenses and registrations.

Giannoulias said technology would allow the secretary of state’s office to give eye exams online, without fraud or security concerns.

Moore suggests using digital license plates, which would make it possible to trace or mark stolen or uninsured vehicles.

Valencia wants to see the libraries become Wi-Fi beacons for families that do not have broadband. The secretary of state oversees literacy efforts in the state.

A recap of the candidates and their positions will be presented on this weekend’s “At Issue,” which runs 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.