Why haven't Democrats moved Illinois Gubernatorial races to Presidential years?

[Mr.Phips]

After Pat Quinn's squeaker in 2010, why didn't Democrats in the Illinois Legislature immediately move to do this?  This way they would likely ensure that a Republican can't win the governorship and that they'd always have control over redistricting.  I believe the governor's race used to be held in Presidential years in this state prior to 1980.

[Mr.Phips]

Because the GOP will surely retaliate with an EV-by-CD referendum.

I would take that trade off.

[ill ind]

Prior to 1978 they were on Presidential years.

[Indy Texas]

Prior to 1978 they were on Presidential years.

Do we know why they changed it?

[Miles]

^ In Florida had a similar switch in the 1960's, IIRC.

[SamInTheSouth]

After Pat Quinn's squeaker in 2010, why didn't Democrats in the Illinois Legislature immediately move to do this?  This way they would likely ensure that a Republican can't win the governorship and that they'd always have control over redistricting. 

How would it ensure that?  States vote one way for president and another way for governor all the time.  They are two different issues altogether.

[Kingpoleon]

After Pat Quinn's squeaker in 2010, why didn't Democrats in the Illinois Legislature immediately move to do this?  This way they would likely ensure that a Republican can't win the governorship and that they'd always have control over redistricting. 

How would it ensure that?  States vote one way for president and another way for governor all the time.  They are two different issues altogether.

Illinois barely ticket splits, hence why Durbin barely won in 2014.

[BuckeyeNut]

Because the GOP will surely retaliate with an EV-by-CD referendum.

I would take that trade off.

I wouldn't. It just encourages gerrymanering.

[Mr.Phips]

Prior to 1978 they were on Presidential years.

Do we know why they changed it?

Because Democrats are idiots?

[muon2]

It was done as a deal with between the Gov and Leg in 1976 and was placed as a constitutional amendment. It has been in effect since 1978. To switch back would require another Con Amend passed with supermajorities in the legislature and by the public.