From the Journal-Standard (Editorial):

OUR OPINION: An important Illinois question

Published: Sunday, November 4, 2007 9:08 PM CST

It may seem a bit premature, but discussion and debate has already begun on a question that Illinois voters will decide when they go to the election polls next November.

In addition to joining the nation in determining the next president, electors will be asked whether Illinois should hold a Constitutional Convention.

If a majority of the voters at the 2008 general election decide in favor of a new Constitutional Convention, the Illinois General Assembly, at a session following the general election, must provide for
the election of two delegates from each legislative district and set up
a meeting schedule for the Convention.

The political gridlock that plagued the 2007 legislative session inspired a bipartisan effort among state lawmakers to advocate for a new Constitutional Convention earlier this year. Legislators cited frustrations with a lack of movement to address critical issues including education funding reform, ethics reform, and the property tax
assessment process.

Don't let the noise of candidate campaigning, which certainly will increase in coming months, cloud the importance of this question.