by Fran Eaton
Disinterested in the choices available for 
governor and feeling ostracized by both the Democratic and Republican candidates, social conservatives determined to make a difference in Springfield have turned their energies to General Assembly races.
One race raising hopes of Republicans statewide is that of Matteson resident Eric Wallace, the only African-American Republican running for the Illinois 
Senate. Wallace, who recently founded the new IL GOP affiliate, African-American Republican Council of Illinois (AARC), says it's time blacks see the Democratic Party is taking their votes for granted.
Wallace is taking his message to the streets of his south and southwest suburban 19th Legislative district, one now represented by incumbent State Senator Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest).
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While campaigning this past weekend, Wallace raised the issue with several vendors at the annual Matteson Fest. Introducing himself as a candidate for State Senate, he usually doesn't lead with his party identity. That's because many blacks tell him they couldn't vote for any Republican. When he hears that, Wallace simply asks what Democrats have done for them and if the party deserves their allegiance.
"They have to begin questioning their loyalties before we can get them to leave the plantation," Wallace said. "The people out here are concerned about jobs and taxes. The Democratic governor and majority we have now in the General Assembly are not fixing our district's problems."
Wallace is focused on stirring the discontentment he's hearing, hoping to produce a hearty challenge to Crotty, who he sees as too comfortable in her current seat.
"I want her to be forced to defend her allegiance to Emil Jones and the Chicago powerbrokers," he said. "From my perspective, it's indefensible."
A theology professor at North Park College and on staff at a large Chicago church, 49 year old Wallace believes his views on social and fiscal issues reflect his district more than his opponent's do.
"I'm pro-life and I want to promote the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. My opponent was against the ban on partial birth abortion, and she won't lead the charge on an amendment to the state constitution to protect marriage," he said. "Those are two clear contrasts between us on social issues."
While knocking on doors and visiting summer festivals in the widely diverse 19th district, Wallace says he hasn't seen his opponent out listening to the district's residents and hearing the concerns they're sharing with him.
"But I'm listening, and I'm focused on winning this race in November," he said.
This week he's especially upbeat, he said, because he's had respected Republicans such as State Senators Frank Watson and Steve Rauschenberger, as well as former gubernatorial candidates Jim Oberweis and Ron Gidwitz commit their support to his campaign.
"Every dollar helps and every person of that caliber who signs on adds to the momentum," he said.
Saturday June 17 at Dustie's on Lincoln Highway in Matteson, State Senator and Treasurer candidate Christine Radogno will be endorsing the Wallace candidacy at a 10:00 am brunch fundraiser hosted by the AARC and Rich Township GOP organization.
The 19th Legislative District includes among its towns Orland Park, Tinley Park, Country Club Hills, Oak Forest, Matteson and Will County's Frankfort Square.
