Candidates in Southern IL House Race Debate Jobs

Voters in a southern Illinois congressional district heard three candidates talk about their job-creation proposals at a debate Wednesday.

A 12th Congressional District debate brought together Republican Jason Plummer, Democrat Bill Enyart and the Green Party's Paula Bradshaw at WSIU-TV on Southern Illinois University's campus.

O'Fallon businessman Jason Plummer called for tax reform. Belleville attorney Enyart pushed a plan focused on small businesses. Carbondale emergency room nurse Bradshaw called for more investment in public works projects.

Belleville News-Democrat, the (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan sponsored the debate along with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and the Jackson County League of Women Voters.

The candidates look to succeed Democrat Jerry Costello, who is retiring.

Two other debates are planned — one Sept. 20 in Marion, the other Oct. 10 in Belleville.