[supercat]

The demise of the IL GOP happened after 1994. 1998 was the only year, during the past 20 years, during which Illinois elected a Republican to the U.S. senate and a Republican to be governor, during the same election.

In 1998, one gubernatorial candidate favored reduced spending and concealed carry, and was pro-life. The other candidate was an anti-gun big-spender who claimed to be pro-life but didn't have the record to back it up.

The Republican won!?

[PhilCollins]

Yes, the Republican won. The liberal, who had an R by his name, won.