He might have been speaker had he run one more time, but the retiring Peoria Republican is left to reflect on what impact he had on the country.
By Peggy Boyer Long and Donald Sevener________ 20

Hispanics in Illinois: Neither party can afford to take them for granted
The days are long gone when Illinois Latinos can be overlooked as a small, poor and powerless minority.
By Jennifer Halperin __________ 24

The disorganization of organized religion
An essay about the continuing impact of organized religion on our society in changing times. Third in a series sponsored in part by the Illinois Humanities Council.
By Martin Marty ________ 28

The State of the State Edgar squanders chance for high-level debate of the issues
Jennifer Halperin _________ 8

Your Turn Replace teacher tenure with performance-based contracts
Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra ___________10

A View from the Suburbs
1994 is year to remember as power comes home to roost in Republican suburbs
Madeleine Doubek __________42

Departments
A Conversation with Our Readers
Ed Wojcicki _____________ 3

Innovations
Beverley Scobell __________ 4

Letters_________________ 11

State Reports
Anna J. Merritt __________ 19

State Stix
How overcrowded are our prisons?
Donald Sevener __________ 33

Legislative Action
One-party control increases potential for innovation
Jennifer Halperin __________ 36

Judicial Rulings
F. Mark Siebert ___________ 37

Book Reviews
Quartet of books features Bellow, quilts, women and Forrest essays
Judith Everson ___________ 38

Names
Beverley Scobell and Wendy Langren __________ 40

Cover illustration: Congressman Dan Rostenkowski, in perhaps the biggest surprise in Illinois on November 8, lost his bid for another term. Illustration by Mike Cramer.