By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – The candidates for Illinois' vacant U.S. Senate seat both say they're best qualified to represent business interests in Washington, political allegiance aside.
Republican Jack Ryan and Democrat Barack Obama Tuesday made their pitches to about 250 manufacturers and retailers in the capital city.
Ryan says he'll benefit business by pushing for lower taxes, less federal spending and fewer government restrictions on the free market. The Chicago investment banker turned teacher says that's a stark contrast to Obama.
But the state senator from Chicago says it's unfair to categorize him as a "tax and spend liberal."
Obama says he won't agree with business on every issue, such as raising the federal minimum wage, but he says he's always willing to work with employers to increase job growth and boost the economy.