As the field of candidates to replace Dick Durbin in the U.S. Senate, we've put together the manual on what it will take to win that seat.

In this episode, Lissa & Thom welcome back professor Robin Johnson of Monmouth College. Robin is the first call anyone should make if you want to really understand voters in the midwest -- especially downstate Illinois. This discussion hits on Illinois' national perspective, the source of the widening political divide, the changing nature of political engagement among younger voters, and much more. Welcome to our 300-level course: How To Be Illinois' Next Senator.