The four Republican candidates running for John Shimkus’ seat in the 15th congressional district answered questions Wednesday night during a forum at Danville Area Community College.
Oakland farmer Mary Miller, who has raised the most money so far, described the Democrats’ impeachment case as a “attempted coup” on the country. Describing herself as a conservative Christian, she said she would abolish the Department of Education if elected.
“AND OUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS CAN EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN. THE SCHOOLS SHOULD REFLECT THE VALUES OF THE COMMUNITY HERE, AND TEACHERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO EDUCATE THE CHILDREN BASED ON THEIR NEEDS AND GIFTS, NOT COOKIE-CUTTER EDUCATION.”
Vermilion County Treasurer Darren Duncan criticized Miller earlier this month for accepting money outside the state, including the endorsement of Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Last night, he said he differs with Cruz on agricultural issues.
“GAS AND OIL IS IMPORTANT TO THE 15TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT AND IT’S SOMETHING THAT’S NOT GOING AWAY AND THERE’S JOBS TIED TO IT AND WE SHOULD NOT DISCARD IT. AT THE SAME TIME, I THINK THE 15TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT PRODUCES A LOT OF CORN AND SOYBEANS, AND THOSE COMMODITIES THAT ARE RENEWAL EACH YEAR CAN ALSO BE A PART OF THE ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR OUR COUNTRY.”
All four candidates questioned climate change and supported repealing the Affordable Care Act. Chuck Ellington, a family physician from Camargo, said a new healthcare law should be built around primary care.
“IN THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, ABOUT 50 PERCENT OF THE HEAVY LIFTING IS DONE BY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS. PRIMARY CARE ONLY GETS TWO TO THREE PERCENT OF THE SPENDING. THAT RATIO NEEDS TO CHANGE, BECAUSE ONCE WE BUILD A SYSTEM AROUND PRIMARY CARE, THEN WE CAN TALK ABOUT PAYMENT MODELS.”
The candidates each expressed support for gun rights, although Kerry Wolff of Altamont said he supports a certain type of so-called “red flag law.”
“WE DON’T NEED THE RED FLAG LAW LIKE THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT IN D.C. WHAT IF WE HAVE A LOT THAT SAYS IF I CALL THE LOCAL POLICE AND SAY, ‘DAD’S HAVING PROBLEMS AND I CAN’T GET INTO THE HOUSE TO GET THE GUN.’ THAT THERE’S A TIME LIMIT THAT THE COPS HAVE TO VISIT AND DO THEIR INVESTIGATIVE LEVEL WITHIN 24 HOURS.”
The 15th congressional district includes all or parts of 33 counties in east central and southern Illinois. The primary election takes place on March 17th.
