Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Collin Corbett Excluded from WTTW Forum, Alleges Bias (Palatine, IL) — Independent Illinois gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett is protesting his exclusion from Tuesday night’s WTTW candidate forum, arguing the decision shields major party candidates from competition and deprives voters of a “common sense alternative.”
Corbett contends that while the major party candidates engage in partisan attacks and debate cultural issues, his campaign is uniquely focused on economic and structural policy. He stated that keeping him off the stage prevents the public from hearing his plans to lower property taxes, fully fund education, stimulate state growth, and increase wages for working families.
“Illinois voters deserve to hear from all candidates—media outlets shouldn’t shield the major political parties while silencing Independent voices,” Corbett said in a press release.
The campaign heavily criticized the criteria WTTW used to determine forum participation. According to Corbett, the station relied on a poll conducted by a Democratic pollster and commissioned by an outlet whose publisher has deep financial and political ties to incumbent Governor J.B. Pritzker. The campaign alleges the publisher holds a Pritzker-appointed salaried position, has contributed to Democratic candidates, and frequently features prominent advertising for the governor.
Corbett, a Palatine-based political strategist and small business owner, highlighted the historical significance of his run, noting that he is only the third Independent candidate to make the Illinois gubernatorial ballot in the last century. He argued that with independent voters making up a growing share of the electorate, a three-person debate is necessary to adequately represent the public.
In response to his exclusion from the televised broadcast, Corbett announced he will host a live stream from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, immediately preceding the WTTW forum. The event is designed to allow voters and media to ask him questions directly, and he will remain available for press interviews following the WTTW broadcast.
Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Collin Corbett Excluded from WTTW Forum, Alleges Bias
