Illinois is in trouble. The problems exist in many areas from education to health care to jobs. But they all come back to the budget.

Until the state gets its financial house in order, none of the other problems can be solved.

We have already seen Gov. Rod Blagojevich's solution: borrow, sell off assets, raid funds, add more programs and pray for a boom in "natural" revenue growth.

But Comptroller Dan Hynes - a member of Blagojevich's own Democratic Party - has warned that Illinois is only a downturn away from disaster. Anticipated revenue growth has been spoken for, in the form of pension liabilities, Medicaid bills and debt service

Republican gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka has put together a financial plan that looks ahead four years, not just to the next crisis.

As treasurer and a former lawmaker, Topinka has a good grasp of finances. And she knows where to turn for advice.

Through a combination of belt-tightening, welfare reform and gambling-related revenue, she has put together a plan that would put the state back on firm ground, providing jobs and property tax relief in the process.

After the budget comes the economy, education, energy and ethics.

The Blagojevich administration has done little to improve the state's business climate and made matters worse with the institution of many fees.

Topinka should be able to turn that around. First, by offering a more welcoming atmosphere. Second, through projects such as the Chicago casino, which would create an estimated 1,500 construction jobs in addition to related casino, convention and tourism employment.

Education in Illinois continues to be hampered by an over-reliance on property taxes that contributes to the gap between "rich" and "poor" districts.

But Topinka's plan doesn't just look at money. She has proposed a council - patterned after similar panels in other states - to better coordinate programs from primary grades through college, including aligning university teaching programs to better meet school needs.

Both candidates have called for boosting renewable energy sources, particularly ethanol because of its benefits for the Illinois agricultural economy. Rising energy costs are another hurdle for Illinois.

Topinka has offered a more comprehensive, workable plan.

We have saved the best - or worst - for last.

The ethical issues swirling around Blagojevich cannot be ignored. The indictment of his close adviser and fund-raiser Antoin "Tony" Rezco hits close to home.

Blagojevich has not been forthcoming about his dealings with Rezco. He has not offered adequate explanations for hiring people with connections, sometimes bypassing veterans' preference and civil service procedures. He shrugged off a $1,500 "birthday gift" to his daughter from a former campaign treasurer whose wife just received a state job.

The state doesn't need another cloud over its Governor's Mansion (even if the current governor doesn't live there).

Topinka has demonstrated an ability to work with Republicans and Democrats alike. She is a better listener. She can be expected to put people in key positions based on their ability to perform the job rather than their political connections or even political affiliations.

The best hope for straightening out the state's finances and its politics is to elect Topinka governor.