Today, the Chicago Tribune released the candidates' responses to key policy questions posed by the editorial board. Over the next several weeks, we will highlight the stark differences between Congressman Mark Kirk and Alexi on these policy issues. Today's topic: Energy.

DECATUR - Highlighting the importance of transitioning to a clean energy economy today, U.S. Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias touted his clean energy jobs plan while visiting the Center for Sustainability and Innovation at Richland Community College in Decatur. On the fourth day of his statewide tour promoting job creation, Giannoulias used the platinum LEED-certified center, which is powered by a windmill and will serve as a center for training, education, and applied research in alternative energies including bio diesel, ethanol, nuclear, wind, geothermal and solar. An innovative school in its own right, it serves as an example for the kinds of steps Illinois needs to take to remain competitive globally, and become a world leader in clean energy production.

CHICAGO - Never one to miss an opportunity to tout his demonstrably over-inflated efforts to "save" Lake Michigan, Republican Congressman Mark Kirk has been conspicuously silent this week even as more than one million gallons of oil has spilled into one of the lake's key tributaries near Marshall, MI.  The spill is already one of the worst environmental disasters in Midwest history, harming marine life, migratory birds and other wildlife, as well as raising alarm that the entire region's source of drinking water may be at risk.

Tonight, President Obama will be addressing the nation about the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster.  This morning, Alexi announced his New Energy agenda, which he believe offers the common sense steps we must take to break our addiction to oil and create a new clean energy economy.

Alexi’s agenda starts with the most pressing matter facing us today – cleaning up the spill in the Gulf and ensuring that this never happens again.  

Sierra Club Supports Alexi Giannoulias : video

 Alexi receives the endorsement of the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters.

CHICAGO - Illinois Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Senate Alexi Giannoulias today picked up key endorsements from the nation's two leading environmental advocacy organizations, further solidifying his campaign's momentum and broad appeal. The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters each announced that they would be supporting Giannoulias over his Republican opponent, Congressman Mark Kirk. Kirk had received these endorsements in all but one of his past campaigns, and each was considered a pillar of his moderate bona fides.