ILLINOIS

ILLINOIS

Population (1994): 11,752,000 (up 2.8% from 1990), 4.5% of U.S. total

Voting-age population: 8,712,000; 1994 turnout, 35%

Median age: 32.8 years

Median household income: $35,081 ($2,817 above U.S.median)

Unemployment: 5.1% (0.5% below U.S. average, March 1996)

Last presidential election: Clinton (D): 49% Bush (R): 34% Perot (I): 17%

Congressional delegation: 12 Democrats, 10 Republicans

A good mix of Democratic and Republican representatives testifies to the state's moderate place in American politics--except for Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Woodrow Wilson in 1916, Illinoisians have voted for every presidential winner for 100 years. But two open House seats and a hotly contested race to fill Paul Simon's Democratic Senate seat could upset the delicate balance.

RICHARD DURBIN (D) SENATE (OPEN SEAT)

BORN: Nov 21, 1944, East St. Louis EDUCATION: Georgetown U, B.S. 1966; J.D., 1969 FAMILY: Wife, Loretta; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Lieutenant governor, 1978; U.S. House, 1983- ADDRESS: 54 West Illinois, Suite 500, Chicago 60610. Tel.: 312-832-9600

Durbin put himself through school after his father died of lung cancer, giving him working-class roots and a chance to highlight his opponent's millionaire status. After 13 years in Congress and an endorsement from retiring Senator Paul Simon, Durbin is the favorite.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES National Service YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I want to make sure the changes we make in national policies and priorities are ones that will help rather than hurt, working families."

ALBERT SALVI (R) SENATE (OPEN SEAT)

BORN: April 25, 1960, Lake County EDUCATION: U of Notre Dame, B.A., 1982; U of Illinois, J.D., 1985 FAMILY: Wife, Kathy; five children RELIGION: Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1986; Illinois House, 1992 ADDRESS: 800 East Northwest Highway, Palatine 60067. Tel.: 718-202-9296

An upset victor in the G.O.P. primary, the wealthy lawyer thinks Illinois is more Republican than it has been in a generation. It had better be: Salvi supports a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, wants to privatize Social Security and implement a flat tax.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NR NAFTA NO Welfare NR National Service NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I don't think it is fair to pigeonhole me as a Buchanan Republican or as a Dole Republican. I'm Al Salvi."

NOEL NAUGHTON (R) District 1 (Chicago--South and southwest sides)

BORN: Dec. 29, 1931, Ballina, Ireland EDUCATION: Murddach High School, Ireland, 1948 FAMILY: Wife, Brigid; six children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Construction-company owner, IBM computer refurbisher POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 8932 South Francisco, Evergreen Park 60805. Tel.: 708-802-0950

Now 70% African American, this former heartland Republican district has changed dramatically over the years. Naughton, however, who calls himself a Reagan Democrat, believes that fighting for tax relief, opposing abortion and giving parents a chance to send their children to private school will strike an appealing chord with the predominantly working-class people of the First.

THE ISSUES

Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I am probably opposed to the rougher edges of the Republican revolution, but I feel that the Republican Party is the best place for people like myself and my neighbors who live on the southwest side of Chicago."

BOBBY RUSH (D) District 1

BORN: Nov. 23, 1946, Albany, Ga. EDUCATION: Roosevelt U, B.A., 1973; U of Illinois, M.A., 1994 FAMILY: Wife, Carolyn Thomas; five children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY SERVICE: Army, 1963-68 OCCUPATION: Activist POLITICAL CAREER: Candidate for Chicago Board of Aldermen, 1975; sought Democratic nomination for Illinois House, 1978; Chicago Board of Aldermen, 1983-93 ADDRESS: 3361 South King Drive, Chicago 60616. Tel.: 312-224-6500

This former Black Panther may be the only member of Congress to have served time for weapons possession (six months in 1969), but he is now an advocate of gun control. Rush is also the only Illinois Democrat on the House Commerce Committee. If he survives recent legal problems--with the IRS over back taxes and the City of Chicago for delinquent parking tickets--Democrats can keep one of their more interesting members.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Most African Americans just want a comfortable, middle-class life-style...Twenty-five years ago, I didn't know that."

JESSE JACKSON JR. (D) District 2 (Chicago--Far South Side; south suburbs; Chicago Heights)

BORN: March 11, 1965, Greenville, S.C. EDUCATION: North Carolina A&T State U, B.S., 1987; Chicago Theological Seminary, M.A., 1990; U of Illinois, J.D., 1993 FAMILY: Wife, Sandra RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Member of Democratic National Committee 1988-, U.S. House, 1995- ADDRESS: 930 East 50th Street, Chicago 60615. Tel.: 312-373-3366

Name recognition can make all the difference in an election--especially when the name is Jesse Jackson. The eldest son of the famous preacher, Jesse Jr. won a special election last December after Mel Reynolds' forced resignation and with Thomas Somer's August withdrawal is now without major party opposition. THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I too have a dream...that one day the South Side of Chicago and the south suburbs will look like the North Side of Chicago and the northwest suburbs."

WILLIAM LIPINSKI (D) District 3 (Chicago--southwest side; south and west suburbs)

BORN: Dec. 22, 1937, Chicago EDUCATION: Loras College, 1957-58 FAMILY: Wife, Rose Marie; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army Reserve, 1961-67 OCCUPATION: Parks supervisor POLITICAL CAREER: Chicago Board of Aldermen, 1975-83; U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: 5838 South Archer Avenue, Chicago 60638. Tel.: 708-371-7460

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Democrat Lipinski used to reel in money for projects like the Southwest Rapid Transit Line and O'Hare Airport renovations or push through passenger taxes at airports, another gift to his district. But Republican control of the House has made things more complicated for the six-term Democrat, and voters may be asking "What have you done for me lately, Bill?"

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I believe in an active government. There are things only the government can do--building highways, building bridges and maintaining transit."

JIM NALEPA (R) District 3

BORN: Dec. 24, 1956, Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico EDUCATION: U.S. Military Academy, West Point, B.S., 1978 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia; one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army, 1978-84; Army Reserve, 1984-91 OCCUPATION: Real estate investor POLITICAL CAREER: South Barrington Board of Trustees, 1989-93; Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 57, La Grange 60525. Tel.: 708-352-1994

Nalepa is no stranger to the House race or his opponent, William Lipinski, who defeated him in 1994 by only four percentage points. Nalepa believes Lipinski is "little more than a seat warmer." If he can overcome a lackluster fund-raising effort and convince voters that the Republican revolution is still alive, Nalepa may have a chance of winning the Republicans a new seat in Congress.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "In this area...we're not country clubbers. We're bowlers and beer drinkers."

LUIS GUTIERREZ (D) District 4 (Chicago--parts of North Side, southwest side)

BORN: Dec. 10, 1953, Chicago EDUCATION: Northeastern Illinois U, B.A., 1975 FAMILY: Wife, Soraida; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher; social worker POLITICAL CAREER: Chicago Board of Aldermen, 1986-93; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 1324 North Wolcott, Chicago 60622. Tel.: 312-509-0999

As chairman of Chicago's Housing Committee, Gutierrez once sold vacant lots to developers for a buck. But in Washington his flair has been muted by the Republican majority, which defeated such proposals as allowing abortions in veterans' hospitals and the funding of anticrime efforts by local housing authorities. The September withdrawal of Republican Tomas Mendoza has assured Gutierrez an easy victory.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "There is a Hispanic agenda...it's the same as the Polish, Irish and Lithuanian agenda: If you work hard, sweat and toil and play by the rules, you will be rewarded."

ROD BLAGOJEVICH (D) District 5 (North Side Chicago)

BORN: Dec. 10, 1956, Chicago EDUCATION: Northwestern U, B.A., 1979; Pepperdine U, J.D., 1983 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia Mell RELIGION: Eastern Orthodox MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1992 ADDRESS: 3657 North Kedzie, Chicago 60618. Tel.: 312-539-9773

As the son-in-law of Alderman Richard Mell, this 39-year-old challenger has an advantage that age and experience don't give: a line to Mayor Richard Daley and the Democratic "machine," still a force in Windy City politics. Family ties may have played a role in Blagojevich's primary victory, but the former prosecutor, who talks tough on crime, should also get a boost from the national Democratic Party, which declared Republican incumbent Michael Flanagan "extremely vulnerable."

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The great equalizer is the person who goes door to door."

MICHAEL FLANAGAN (R) District 5

BORN: Nov. 9, 1962, Chicago EDUCATION: Loyola U, B.A., 1984; J.D., 1991 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY : Army, 1984-88; Army, 1991-92 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 4200 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago 60641. Tel.: 312-588-2288

Democrats are hoping Flanagan's election two years ago--filling the seat of indicted Democrat Daniel Rostenkowski--was a fluke caused by Rostenkowski's legal shenanigans. But Flanagan, the first Republican representative from Chicago in more than 30 years, has acquitted himself well in Washington, earning positions on three major committees. This may make a difference to constituents used to having influence on Capitol Hill.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "There is nothing going on in the Balkans that is worth losing one American life over. I will never vote to send my neighbors' kids into that meat grinder."

STEPHEN DE LA ROSA (D) District 6 (Northwest and West Chicago suburbs)

BORN: Dec. 18, 1952, Chicago EDUCATION: North Central College, 1970- FAMILY: Divorced; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Maintenance technician POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 484, Wheaton 60189. Tel.: 708-834-9696

De la Rosa, a maintenance technician in Elk Grove Village, is an active member of numerous community organizations, including the local A.C.L.U. and PTA. But as a heavy underdog in the race, with no political experience, he will have to stretch his "common-man" credentials.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Do you want to see your daughters cross state lines [to get an abortion] because your legislature demands parental notification? I think the answer is no."

HENRY HYDE (R) District 6

BORN: April 18, 1924, Chicago EDUCATION: Georgetown U, B.S., 1947; Loyola U, J.D., 1949 FAMILY: Widowed; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Navy, 1942-46; Naval Reserve, 1946-68 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1962; Illinois House, 1967-74; U.S. House, 1974- ADDRESS: Box 332, Des Plaines 60016. Tel.: 630-832-1996

After 22 years in the House, Hyde has earned an enviable reputation for his oratory, party loyalty and honesty. He made his name in Congress with legislation to stop federal funding of abortion. But, often to the dismay of his fellow Republicans, his soft spot for kids makes him a supporter of such "liberal" causes as the Family Medical Leave Act, a waiting period for the purchase of handguns, and against denying children of illegal aliens an education.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Denying a little kid food and clothes is like stealing; it's child abuse...Capitalism with a human face isn't such a nutty idea."

RANDY BOROW (R) District 7 (Chicago--Downtown; West Side)

BORN: Jan. 20, 1966, LaGrange EDUCATION: U of Illinois, B.A., 1988 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY : None OCCUPATION: Account executive POLITICAL CAREER: Republican precinct captain, 1991- address: 8909 West Cermak Road, North Riverside 60546. Tel.: 708-442-1996

Borow envisions a District 7, one of Chicago's poorest, "where there is no need for welfare" and believes that empowerment zones, tax reform and faith in God will get it there. Piety may not mean much elsewhere, but in the rough-and-tumble Seventh, blind faith may just be a potent political platform.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "As a successful businessman, a churchgoer and a dedicated baseball umpire, I wish to take the American dream and bring it home to everyone here and beyond--regardless of their race, regardless of their gender, regardless of their religion."

DANNY DAVIS (D) District 7

BORN: Sept. 6, 1941, Parkdale, Ark. EDUCATION: Arkansas A.M.&N. College, B.A., 1961; Chicago State U, M.A., 1968; Union Institute, Ph.D., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Vera; two children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY : None OCCUPATION: Health-organization consultant; teacher POLITICAL CAREER: Chicago Alderman, 1979-90; sought Democratic nomination for U.S. House, 1984, 1986; Cook County commissioner, 1990-; candidate for Chicago mayor, 1991 ADDRESS: 5730 West Division Street, Chicago 60651. Tel.: 312-626-1996

Despite some impressive addresses--the Sears Tower, the Wrigley Building--the heart of District 7 is the tough ghetto west of the Loop. That could explain why Davis won the primary despite a controversial endorsement from a local gangster.

THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: (To a radio host) "I've got more morality than you've ever thought of. More morality probably in my little finger than you've got in your whole body."

PHILIP CRANE (R) District 8 (Northwest Cook County--Schaumburg; Palatine)

BORN: Nov. 3, 1930, Chicago EDUCATION: Hillsdale College, B.A., 1952; Indiana U, M.A., 1961, Ph.D., 1963 FAMILY: Wife, Arlene Johnson; eight children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: Army, 1954-56 OCCUPATION: Professor POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Republican nomination for President, 1980; U.S. House, 1969- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 8534, Rolling Meadows 60008. Tel.: 847-394-0790

Given his length of service to this supremely conservative district--Clinton earned only 31% of its votes in 1992--it's not surprising that Crane, with eight children and the same wife for 37 years, is an ardent opponent of abortion, gun control and government regulation--as well as a heavy favorite to repeat.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Tax relief for American families is long overdue. With a new majority in Congress, we now have the opportunity to change direction."

ELIZABETH HULL (D) District 8

BORN: Jan. 10, 1937, Upper Darby, Pa. EDUCATION: Illinois State U, 1954-55; Chicago City College, A.A., 1965; Northwestern U, Ph.D., 1968; Loyola U, M.A., 1970, Ph.D., 1975 FAMILY: Husband, Frederik Pohl; two children, four stepchildren RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Professor POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 2150 Plum Grove Road, Rolling Meadows 60008. Tel.: 847-925-6323

As a liberal candidate in one of the most conservative regions of Illinois, Hull faces a tough race; as challenger to 14-year veteran Philip Crane, her task is Herculean. But the English teacher and community activist is serious about her congressional mission. She supports the NEA and term limits and wants a thorough reassessment of the Defense Department to weed out a "scandalous amount of waste."

THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We inherited a clean and beautiful country. I want to do my best to pass it on unspoiled to our grandchildren."

JOSEPH WALSH (R) District 9 (Chicago--North Side, Lakefront and suburbs; Evanston)

BORN: Dec. 27, 1961, Evanston EDUCATION: U of Iowa, B.A., 1985; U of Chicago, M.A., 1991 FAMILY: Wife, Laura Jo; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Policy analyst; professor; social worker POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 1311 Livingston, Evanston 60201. Tel.: 847-328-7257

Walsh is running against a man who has held the seat for more years (almost 50) than Walsh has lived (34), but claims the age difference as an advantage--it's "the citizen legislator vs. the professional politician." As a public-policy analyst for the Heartland Institute, he advocates a moderate-conservative agenda of tax cuts, school choice, decentralizing Medicaid and "compassionate welfare reform"--but that may not be enough to overcome the Yates factor.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I'm not a professional politician, so I don't pretend to know all the answers. But I do know the right questions."

SIDNEY YATES (D) District 9

BORN: Aug. 27, 1909, Chicago EDUCATION: U of Chicago, Ph.B., 1931; J.D., 1933 FAMILY: Wife, Adeline Holleb; one child RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: Navy, 1944-46 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1948-62, 1964- ADDRESS: 6017 Woodley Road, McLean, Va. 22101. Tel.: 312-353-4596

At age 87 and having represented the Ninth District almost exclusively since 1948, Yates is the House's senior member and will be Illinois's longest tenured Congressman if re-elected. His age is beginning to show--because of illness he voted on only 85% (instead of his usual 95%) of the roll-call votes last year--and he has all but announced his retirement, provided he wins in November: "It'll be 50 years...That, I think, is likely to be enough."

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I can serve my district better than any newcomer can."

JOHN EDWARD PORTER (R) District 10 (North and northwest Chicago suburbs--Waukegan)

BORN: June 1, 1935, Evanston EDUCATION: Northwestern U, B.S., B.A., 1957; U of Michigan, J.D., 1961 FAMILY: Wife, Kathryn Cameron; five children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY SERVICE: Army Reserve, 1958-64 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for Cook County Circuit Court judge, 1970; Illinois House, 1973-79; Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1978; U.S. House, 1980- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 7126, Deerfield 60015. Tel.: 847-948-1212

Porter is one of those rare Republicans who favor abortion rights, gun control and the National Endowment for the Arts. He is also a founder of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. But these "liberal" inclinations haven't stopped the eight-term Porter from opposing tax increases and making the deficit one of his legislative priorities.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Americans can rise up, as we have so often done in our proud history, to embrace the challenges of the global economy and aggressively work to promote our values all over the planet."

PHIL R. TORF (D) District 10

BORN: Aug. 4, 1952, Chicago EDUCATION: U of Illinois, B.S., 1976; John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1984 FAMILY: Wife, Donna; three children. RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer; pharmacist POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 7001, Deerfield 60015. Tel.: 847-317-1819

In an affluent district that has returned its Republican representative to Washington in the past eight elections, first-time candidate Torf (he had no opponent in the primary) is a long shot. He hopes to attract those disaffected by the realities of the antigovernment movement, advocating educational and training programs for children and the poor and pushing to keep Medicare spending stable.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We're not going to keep our edge as world leader if we don't start investing in our kids and our environment."

CLEM BALANOFF (D) District 11 (South Chicago suburbs and exburbs--Joliet)

BORN: April 16, 1953, Chicago EDUCATION: Ripon College, 1971-73 FAMILY: Wife, Virginia; two children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Real estate-company owner POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1989-95; sought Democratic nomination for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3769, Joliet 60434. Tel.: 815-722-9392.

Balanoff is hopeful that in this traditionally Democratic district--it has voted for Bill Clinton, Paul Simon and Carol Moseley-Braun--a Republican Congressman is an anomaly. He blames Jerry Weller's victory in 1994--by 34,000 votes--on the 68,000 Democrats who didn't bother going to the polls. Balanoff does offer a choice: he wants to balance the budget by cutting "corporate welfare," not funds for Medicare or education.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The Democrats that you see here...have always worked real hard and stood up for working men and women, for families, for senior citizens and for our kids."

JERRY WELLER (R) District 11

BORN: July 7, 1957, Streator EDUCATION: U of Illinois, B.S., 1979 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Congressional aide; state and federal official; hog farmer; sales representative POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1988-94; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 687, Morris 60450. Tel.: 815-741-1997

In 1994 Republicans vigorously pursued this open seat--a diverse district of densely populated suburbs, growing middle-class neighborhoods and rural farming communities--and are anxious to keep it. A conservative who opposes abortion rights and favors anticrime measures such as requiring criminals to pay restitution to their victims, Weller has also learned the art of constituent services. While seeking funds for a third Chicago airport on the southern edge of the district, he secured a $1 million renovation grant for Lansing's reliever airport.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We can raise the take-home pay for working families by repealing Bill Clinton's gas tax."

JERRY F. COSTELLO (D) District 12 (Southwest--Carbondale; East St. Louis)

BORN: Sept. 25, 1949, East St. Louis EDUCATION: Belleville Area College, A.A., 1971; Maryville College, B.A., 1973 FAMILY: Wife, Georgia Cockrum; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Law-enforcement official political career: St. Clair County Board chairman, 1980-88. U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 8250, Belleville 62222. Tel.: 618-397-9599

Costello is a conservative Democrat who doesn't fit the Democrat mold. An opponent of abortion and gun control, he also bucked the party by voting to keep the ban on gays in the military. Costello retains his liberal credentials because he is not afraid to raise taxes to cure deficit ills. Most important, he knows how to bring in millions of dollars to his district for public-works projects.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: [On Bosnia] "I do not believe that American soldiers should be on the front lines of a multiethnic, quasi-religious conflict that dates back several hundred years."

SHAPLEY R. HUNTER (R) District 12

BORN: Aug. 27, 1957, Sikeston, Mo. EDUCATION: Southeast Missouri State U, 1975-76 FAMILY: Wife, Judy; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Navy, 1980-86 OCCUPATION: Draftsman POLITICAL CAREER: Tamms precinct committeeman, 1994-96; Alexander County Republican Party chairman, 1994-96; Tamms Village trustee, 1995- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 11, Fourth Street, Tamms 62988. Tel.: 618-747-2807

A lifelong Republican, Hunter wants to turn back the clock on federal control of what used to be state and local provenances. He cites education--beginning with the creation of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in 1953--as one of the first areas of incursion. Unfortunately for Hunter, his Democratic opponent (and the incumbent) is almost as conservative as he is.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I oppose the use of federal moneys to fund abortion, whether domestically or abroad. It should not be the policy of this or any nation to support the termination of innocent life."

HARRIS FAWELL (R) District 13 (Southwest Chicago suburbs--Naperville)

BORN: March 25, 1929, West Chicago EDUCATION: North Central College, 1947-49; Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1952 FAMILY: Wife, Ruth Johnson; three children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois Senate, 1963-77; candidate for Illinois Supreme Court, 1976; U.S. House, 1984- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3896, Naperville 60567. Tel.: 708-655-2052

Dedicated to his affluent district--the 13th is a strikingly white-collar suburb that houses the headquarters of Ace Hardware, Federal Signal, WMX Technologies, McDonald's and the Argonne National Laboratory--Fawell is also a committed budget hawk, fighting every conceivable spending program with his colleagues in the unofficial Capitol Hill group dubbed the Porkbusters.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "It has been said that if one dies and goes to heaven and wants to come back to earth and have eternal life, come back as a federal program."

SUSAN HYNES (D) District 13

BORN: March 5, 1949, New York City EDUCATION: George Washington U, B.A., 1971 FAMILY: Husband, Robert; three children RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Marketing executive POLITICAL CAREER: Candidate for DuPage Township supervisor, 1993 ADDRESS: 2269 Keim Rd., Naperville 60565. Tel.: 708-717-4082

Hynes, one of only four women running for Congress in the state, is a moderate Democrat--in favor of tax benefits for businesses that create jobs and balancing the budget without drastic cuts in programs helping students, veterans, the elderly and the sick. Moderation can't hurt in a district where some 60% of the voters are independents who describe themselves as fiscal conservatives and social middle-of-the-roaders.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Women are a very big part of my base...Most women, like myself, are faced with the same challenges of raising children, taking care of elderly parents and worrying about the family checkbook."

DENNIS HASTERT (R) District 14 (North central--Aurora; Elgin; De Kalb)

BORN: Jan. 2, 1942, Aurora EDUCATION: Wheaton College, A.B., 1964; Northern Illinois U, M.A., 1967 FAMILY: Wife, Jean Kahl; two children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher; restaurateur POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1980-86; U.S. House, 1986- address: P.O. Box 625, Batavia 60510. Tel.: 708-879-1998

Hastert, a vocal proponent of the Contract with America, has prospered under Newt Gingrich, who elevated the five-term Republican to Chief Deputy Whip of the House and appointed him chair of the Speaker's Steering Committee on Health Care Reform.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I urge the American people to focus not on the media hype, but on the big picture. Republicans are trying to balance the budget for the first time in decades. We are doing this to provide a better future for our children, to get lower interest rates for our families today and for a stronger America."

DOUG MAINS (D) District 14

BORN: July 25, 1934, Aurora EDUCATION: Wheaton College, B.S., 1956; U of Illinois, M.D., 1960 FAMILY: Wife, Fran; two children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY SERVICE: None OCCUPATION: Physician; Public Health Service officer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 387B Schmale Road, Carol Stream 60188. Tel.: 708-665-0240

Though he has never run for office, Mains has made a name for himself in District 14 as an energetic and effective environmentalist. He founded "Save the Rice Farm," which successfully lobbied to preserve a local farm, was the first president of a committee to protect the Danda Forest and is a leader of his local chapter of the Conservation Foundation. The question is whether ecological zeal is enough to unseat one of the most powerful Republicans on the Hill.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NR Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The health of Americans is dependent on the health of our planet."

THOMAS EWING (R) District 15 (East central--Champaign; Kankakee)

BORN: Sept. 19, 1935, Atlanta EDUCATION: Millikin U, B.S., 1957; John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1968 FAMILY: Wife, Connie Lupo; three children; three stepchildren RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: Army, 1957; Army Reserve, 1957-63 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1975-91; U.S.House 1991- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 766, Pontiac 61764. Tel.: 815-842-1168

In a district where tilling the soil is not a hobby but an industry of thousand-acre farms, Ewing's chairmanship of the Risk Management and Specialty Crops Subcommittee makes him a formidable foe. His bias toward his district's needs--he guided a controversial farm bill through Congress last year--sometimes aggravates his G.O.P. colleagues, but Ewing knows they don't vote to send him to Capitol Hill.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Over the past 30 years, there have been 16 major votes to increase federal taxes on Americans. The past 30 years shows that the Federal Government cannot control its addiction to taxation."

LAUREL PRUSSING (D) District 15

BORN: Feb. 21, 1941, New York City EDUCATION: Wellesley College, B.A., 1962; Boston U, M.A., 1964; U of Illinois, Ph.D., 1976 FAMILY: Husband, John; three children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Economist POLITICAL CAREER: Champaign County board, 1972-76; Champaign County auditor, 1976-92; Illinois House, 1992-95 ADDRESS: 313 North Mattis, Suite 209, Champaign 61821. Tel.: 217-359-1996

With Cardiss Collins' resignation, this could be the first year since 1973 that Illinois has had no woman in the U.S. House. Prussing is one of four women running for the House in Illinois, but like the others is an underdog: she is matched against three-term incumbent Tom Ewing in a district that voted overwhelmingly for George Bush in 1992.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Congress is steering America back to a time like the 1920s when the wealthy controlled government and college was beyond the reach of most working people."

CATHERINE LEE (D) District 16 (Northwest--Rockford; McHenry)

BORN: Aug. 21, 1941, Grand Rapids, Mich. EDUCATION: Aquinas College, B.A., 1963; U of Michigan, M.A., 1964. FAMILY: Husband, Tim; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Training-company owner; professor POLITICAL CAREER: Unit District 22 Board of Education, 1984-93; sought Democratic nomination for Illinois House, 1992 ADDRESS: Box 204, Cary 60013. Tel.: 815-963-9696

Despite her Democratic credentials in this heavily Republican district, Lee thinks she can stir up enough concern about kids and the elderly to win. A businesswoman and local activist, Lee objects to budget balancing on the backs of the less fortunate, especially if it means cutting student loans, Medicare, Medicaid or Head Start.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The Contract with America divides our communities into the prosperous and the poor with those in the middle shouldering a grand burden...It favors one side at a time when we, as a country, need to unify."

DONALD MANZULLO (R) District 16

BORN: March 24, 1944, Rockford EDUCATION: American U, B.A., 1967; Marquette U, J.D., 1970 FAMILY: Wife, Freda; three children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Republican nomination for U.S. House, 1990; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 7783, Rockford 61125. Tel.: 815-394-1992

The 16th District, settled by New England Yankees, is where Lincoln debated Douglas and where Ronald Reagan was born and raised. It has stood by Herbert Hoover and George Bush and kept a Republican in the House for all but two terms since the origin of the Republican Party. Manzullo is part of that tradition--he believes in limited government, advocates the death penalty, opposes gun control and abortion, even lives on a farm and home schools his kids.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The right to choose the form of education for one's children and be free of government interference is at the core of our liberties in this nation."

MARK BAKER (R) District 17 (West--Rock Island; Moline)

BORN: Feb. 21, 1959, Hannibal, Mo. EDUCATION: U of Missouri, B.A., 1981 FAMILY: Wife, Jacqueline; two children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: TV news anchor, reporter and producer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5284, Quincy 62305. Tel.: 217-228-1996

Baker wants the job Lane Evans has had for 14 years. Because the 17th is traditionally Republican--Evans was propelled into office by the recessions of the '80s--Baker may have a chance of bringing it back to the G.O.P., using television charm and emphasis on core Republican values: economic and job development, a balanced budget and less government regulation.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NR Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I will pledge to fight any tax increase in Congress, and to stand up for the taxpayers who are obviously paying too much in taxes."

LANE EVANS (D) District 17

BORN: Aug. 4, 1951, Rock Island EDUCATION: Augustana College, B.A., 1974; Georgetown, J.D., 1978 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Marines, 1969-71 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1982- Campaign address: P.O. Box 5263, Rock Island 61204. Tel.: 309-788-5263

Economic bad times propelled Evans into office 14 years ago; good times may be his undoing. But there is little other indication that voters will turn against this exuberant former Marine, who has one of the more liberal voting records in the House.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The harder working Americans work, the farther they fall behind. That is why it is so important to raise the minimum wage to a decent level."

MIKE CURRAN (D) District 18 (Central--Peoria; parts of Springfield)

BORN: Sept. 23, 1945, Quincy EDUCATION: U of Illinois, B.A., 1969 FAMILY: Wife, Cathy; three children RELIGION: Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Computer consultant POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1983-95 ADDRESS: UMWA Building, 3695 South Sixth Street Road, Springfield 62703. Tel.: 217-529-6270

Curran, as a 12-year veteran of the Illinois General Assembly, is no stranger to politics. And he thinks the 18th is swing enough to turn its back on an incumbent who has only been in Washington two years. His wealth of state legislative experience ranges from higher education to public utilities and child welfare, and he is promising to bring interest in social activism back to Congress.

THE ISSUES

Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Making the federal bureaucracy more efficient is a change all Americans would like to see. But change for the sake of change makes no sense without a plan to make things better, and not just for the privileged few."

RAY LAHOOD (R) District 18

BORN: Dec. 6, 1945, Peoria EDUCATION: Spoon River Community College, 1963-65; Bradley U, B.S., 1971 FAMILY: Wife, Kathleen Dunk; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Congressional aide; teacher; urban planner POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1982; defeated for re-election to Illinois House, 1982; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 3311 North Sterling Avenue, Suite 10, Peoria 61604. Tel.: 309-682-0061

An aide to former minority leader Robert Michael, who served in the House from 1956 until he retired in 1994, LaHood rode Michael's coattails into office. A moderate like his former boss, he supports a balanced-budget amendment, the line-item veto and abortion limits. But he distinguished himself in his first term as one of few freshman Republicans who opposed parts of the Contract with America.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We have had a rich heritage in my district of representing agriculture, and that is something I want to continue."

GLENN POSHARD (D) District 19 (Rural--southern counties; Decatur)

BORN: Oct. 30, 1945, Herald EDUCATION: Southern Illinois U, B.S., 1970; M.S., 1974; Ph.D., 1984 FAMILY: Wife, Jo Roetzel; two children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: Army, 1962-65 OCCUPATION: Educator POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Democratic nomination for Illinois Senate, 1982; Illinois Senate, 1984-89; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1988, Marion 62959. Tel.: 618-993-0110

Former history teacher Poshard is keeping the Democratic tradition of the 19th alive by lobbying for his farm and coal-miner constituents--disability benefits for those with black-lung disease, research on "clean coal," water projects for agriculture--but he also wants federal spending curbed. It's a political one-two punch likely to keep the likeable Poshard in office another two years.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "At some point we will have to make real cuts which affect real programs that may discomfort real people in our district and across the country."

BRENT WINTERS (R) District 19

BORN: Oct. 14, 1954, Terre Haute, Ind. EDUCATION: Eastern Illinois U, B.S., 1981; Biola U, Th.M., 1987; U of Missouri, J.D., 1993 FAMILY: Wife, Susan; six children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: Navy, 1975-79; Navy Reserve, 1979-85; Army Reserve, 1992-96 OCCUPATION: Farmer; geologist; educational-supply-company owner POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: Box 462, Martinsville 62442. Tel.: 217-382-4411

A Republican candidate in this typically Democratic district, Winters attacked incumbent Glenn Poshard for his vote against the G.O.P. balanced-budget proposal and argues that the Republican plan would have increased Medicare spending 59% over the next seven years.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "A baby born today will pay more than $188,000 during its lifetime just to pay off the interest on our debt, and that's not even touching the growing cost of government. Citizens are not allowed to operate their budget in the red, and our government should not either."

JAY HOFFMAN (D) District 20 (West central--part of Springfield; Collinsville)

BORN: Nov. 6, 1961, Highland EDUCATION: Illinois State U, B.S., 1983; St.Louis U, J.D., 1986 FAMILY: Wife, Laurie Ann; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Director of court services and probation; assistant state's attorney POLITICAL CAREER: Illinois House, 1991- ADDRESS: 107 1/2 E. Main, Collinsville 62234. Tel.: 618-346-2222.

The 20th District seat, held by Senate candidate Richard Durbin for the past 14 years, is now up for grabs. Though he is both antiabortion and pro-gun, Hoffman sees himself as a moderate alternative to his G.O.P. rival. And with Durbin's endorsement, Hoffman is the front runner.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare NR Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "If we take away the chance for a college education, we are pulling up the ladder of opportunity for millions of young Americans. I don't believe it's right when only the children of the wealthy have an opportunity to achieve their dreams."

JOHN SHIMKUS (R) District 20

BORN: Feb. 21, 1958, Collinsville EDUCATION: U.S. Military Academy, B.S., 1980 FAMILY: Wife, Karen; two children RELIGION: Lutheran MILITARY: Army, 1980-86; Army Reserve, 1986- OCCUPATION: Teacher POLITICAL CAREER: Republican precinct committeeman, 1986; Madison County treasurer, 1990-; Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1992 ADDRESS: 1025 South Second, Springfield 62704. Tel.: 618- 346-2020

Shimkus is a firm believer in the kind of hard work that helped him through West Point and two terms as Madison County treasurer--the first time in 48 years a Republican was re-elected to a county office. And it will take all that hard work to win a seat in the U.S. House.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "At West Point they taught us cadets that if you talk the talk, then you have to walk the walk...In cutting spending, in increasing efficiency and in government reform, I have walked the walk. Now I would like to take this same work ethic and values to Congress."