SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — With the state fair now in the rearview mirror, candidates are traveling across Illinois to meet with supporters. WAND News followed Gov. JB Pritzker during a quick stop at Lulu's Diner in Springfield Thursday morning.

The JB bus is fueled and hitting multiple stops along Route 66. Pritzker and Lt. Governor candidate Christian Mitchell say they're excited to see familiar faces and meet new people along the way. 

Many people are talking about kitchen table issues leading up to the November election, and some of the same concerns are shared at the diner table.

"If you're concerned about affordability, you need to get out and vote," said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "If you're having problems because you're paying $5 a gallon for gas, you need to get out and vote."

The governor said he loves talking to Democrats along the campaign trail, but he also appreciates speaking with Republicans who may no longer support President Donald Trump. Sangamon County Democrats said they hope moderates and independents consider voting for Pritzker.

"He is behind the little people and trying to reduce the costs of medications, food prices and everything that the middle class is starting to feel now," said supporter Vera Small. 

Small also said it is good to see candidates traveling through the Capital City instead of spending most of their time in Chicago. Pritzker and Mitchell stressed it's important to meet people where they are.

"I think that when we talk about having raised the minimum wage and lowering taxes, being someone that people can see and touch and relate to, people really respond to us here and it was great," Mitchell said.

Meanwhile, Darren Bailey posted on Facebook that every time Pritzker says something about Trump, people should look at Illinois. Bailey said voters should look at the property tax crisis, cost of living and the number of people leaving the state.

The Republican said he is committed to capping taxes, auditing money going to nonprofit groups and making life less expensive for Illinois families.

"Can your family afford four more years of JB Pritzker?" Bailey asked. "Four more years of higher property taxes? Raising electric bills? More taxes, tolls and excuses? Absolutely not, and you understand that."

Bailey said people should not write this election off as a win for Pritzker just because he has more money to spend across the state.

Independent candidate Collin Corbett said he would lower property taxes and freeze discretionary state spending. He hopes to create transparent budget accountability standards to measure the impact of tax dollars.

WAND News will speak with each of the gubernatorial candidates in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 election. 

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