I'm also from Illinois and have some thoughts on this subject. It may be why Obama wants to change - Illinois has lost a lot of jobs shipped over seas. There are areas with high unemployment - like Michigan, Ohio and other states that have lost factory jobs.

As to the murder rate - I attach a link that explains Obama protested Bush's cuts to the police departments in the Federal Budget (I think the money is going to Homeland Security which is why I get patted down for my total knee replacement everytime I fly). http://obama.senate.gov/press/060224-obama_joins_loc/

As to the rating of the health issue, please note Florida is 46 - 14 below Illinois. Maybe health insurance for all will improve all the states' ratings.

Illinois had Republican governors for 30 years before the current governor took office. If the pension plan needs to be blamed on someone, I would suggest you start their since the problems started in the 70's when they quit fully funding the pension fund.

I am not really blaming either party for the problems Illinois has. I think it is a countrywide issue with our job problems, healthcare issues, etc. I am proud to be from there - the Midwest produces hardworking individuals who are of the old school of use it up, wear it out. I think a lot can be learned from them. Bottomline - Obama did not create their problems and I think if you really reviewed it, you would agree.