We take listeners to Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair. Plus, an interview with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.

On the eve of the Republican presidential primary debate, we delve into the party's rebuilding phase in Illinois.

We explore the Republican party's journey from once being a red state to its current super-minority holding.

"Illinois voters rejected us," House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says. After his party's dismal showing in this year's election, he announced he would step down. And in a conversation taped Thursday afternoon, he came across as a man unburdened: "Donald Trump, I believe, is greatly responsible for the shrinking of the party."

The State Fair is taking place this week in Springfield and at the center of it are the big political events. There are at least 23 separate fundraising and speaking events in the next three days.