34th State Senate District: Race Overview

The redrawn 34^th State Senate District comprises much of Rockford as well as Love's Park, Machesney Parkand rural western WinnebagoCounty,

Steve Stadelman won the Democratic Party primary.Stadelman, a news anchor on WTVO, was a novice politician. Stadelman proved to be a vigorous campaigner who was able to turn his recognizable TV name into votes.

His opponent Frank Gambino's candidacy came through a more traditional route politically. Gambino, a well-known businessman who owns a local real estate brokerage, has served on the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors.

The campaign focused on an ad Stadelman aired accusing Gambino of violating state labor laws.Specifically, Stadelman alleged Gambino had underpaid two female workers for years until forced by the state to pay back wages.

Gambino first replied the violations were no big deal, and then said they didn't involve him directly.The ads however proved so effective that Gambino put one of the workers allegedly involved in the back pay dispute in a counter ad condemning Stadelmen.

Gambino sued Stadelman to have him take the TV ads taken off the air.