Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican Bruce Rauner meet Thursday for their first true debate of the Illinois governor's race.
The candidates are scheduled to face off in Peoria. The meeting comes as the race has grown increasingly personal and nasty. Both candidates have attacked the other's character and how they've conducted themselves.
Quinn is seeking his second full term. Rauner's making his first run for public office.
They have appeared together a few times already; once before a major teacher's union, again at a Metropolitan Planning Council lunch and again before the Chicago Tribune editorial board, but Thursday's event will be the first televised meeting in a full debate format.
It's sponsored by the League of Women Voters and several public television and radio stations.
Rauner and Quinn are scheduled to debate two more times before the Nov. 4 election.
