We’ve got a race, folks. Keeping in line with the presidential contest, congressional district IL-14 is gearing up for 2008. There’s much speculation afoot as congressional hopefuls anticipate Congressman Dennis Hastert’s likely retirement.
So who will be the next representative of IL-14? Join me below the fold and we’ll explore our options.
Linda Chapa LaVia – IL State Representative
Linda Chapa LaVia is a representative in the Illinois General Assembly from Aurora, IL. She was first elected in 2000 to represent the constituents of Illinois’s 83rd district with support from some Republicans. LaVia is the first Hispanic representative in the General Assembly outside of Cook County. She was also the first Democrat to win the district in twenty years.
In a recent interview on PublicAffairstv.com, LaVia boasted bringing back 30 million dollars to her district for the public schools, supporting the River’s Edge Act to clean up "Brownfield" sites and foster growth.
In that same interview, LaVia claims that our nation needs strong immigration reform. Though she does not want to penalize children of undocumented workers (she voted to give undocumented students, in-state tuition rates in IL) she believes we need stronger restrictions on undocumented immigration. She said she is open to identity restrictions including fingerprints and retina scans for undocumented workers.
As a small business owner, LaVia is not yet on board with Governor Blagojevich’s tax increase proposals. Though the money would benefit schools, the congresswoman has said she would like to see more accountability in schools before we put more money into them. She would consider school vouchers and has admitted that her own children attend private school.
According to the Beacon News, Linda Chapa LaVia filed papers with the FEC last week to begin an exploratory committee. She is not yet certain whether she will run and is likely waiting to see if Dennis Hastert will retire, but has sent mixed signals as to how that will effect her campaign. From the Beacon:
"I have the greatest respect for him [Hastert]," she said. "You can't discount the fact that man has brought billions of dollars into this district. I have way too much respect for him to run against him."
However, in her interview on PublicAffairstv.com, she said that a Hastert retirement will not affect her decision to run (she had not yet filed with the FEC as of that interview), her decision to run would be about representing people.
Since the interview and article in the Beacon News, there have been unconfirmed rumors that La Via has let go of her pollster having been told by Lisa Madigan (AG) and Senator Durbin that a La Via run in IL-14 would cost too much money.
Linda was an Army officer for two years, in the National Guard for seven years, and went through ROTC while she attended the University of Illinois. In the General Assembly she is the Vice Chair of the Veteran’s Affair Committee. She is concerned about "American’s perception of the war as it pertains to the treatment of veterans." It will be interesting to see how the party supports her. From what I have found, it is not clear what LaVia’s stance is on an exit strategy for Iraq.
As of yet, it is not clear whether or not Linda Chapa LaVia is "in it to win it" as Hillary Clinton might say.
Info on Linda Chapa La Via:
GoLinda.org
The Beacon News
Public Affairs TV
Jotham Stein – Business and Employment Attorney, Concerned citizen
There is a lot more information circling around about Jotham Stein. Stein filed his papers with the FEC in January and is the only candidate with a fully running website which is chock full of policy positions and other juicy details.
From the website:
During the 2006 elections, I listened on C-Span (and on the internet) to candidate after candidate from around the country debate the issues. Frequently, the politicians refused to take concrete positions on most of the difficult issues we face. The politicians would speak about lots of things, but really say nothing at all. Sure I heard a few new ideas, but not much - it was as if they took a poll, figured out what was popular, and then followed a script to say what their polls showed.
I know I can do much better. In this campaign, I will offer real solutions to many of the real problems facing our country. From defeating global warming, to having a strong national defense, to more jobs for our district, to guaranteeing food and health care to our kids, I am taking a stand.
Stein then backs up his claim of providing real solutions to real problems with this 10-point plan to stop global warming:
• Vehicle Tax & Rebate Plan – Tax gas guzzling vehicles so their price reflects the damage they are causing to the environment. Use the new tax to provide a rebate for people who buy vehicles with high fuel efficiency.
• Anti-Global Warming Smokestack Carbon Credit Plan – Cap and Trade.
• Tax Credits for Using Alternative Energy Sources or Products
• Tax Credits for Producing Alternative Energy
• Real Conservation – Requiring all governmental buildings and maximize their energy conservation, requiring all government contractors to do the same if they receive federal funds.
• Increase and Fully Fund Existing Alternate Energy Programs in the Farm Bill
• Sign the Kyoto Protocol
• Negotiate a New International Anti Global Warming Treaty – Kyoto expires in 2012.
• Venture Capital for Alternate Energy Sources – Use tax credits to encourage venture capitalists to invest in companies that produce alternate energy
• Implement Federal Efficiency Standards for All Consumer Products
Stein isn't a one-issue candidate though. Many parts of his global warming initiative are closely connected to some of his other priorities, which include:
Iraq & National Security:
We should immediately withdraw from Iraq because staying in Iraq makes us weaker, not stronger. At the same time, we need a strong and flexible military and excellent intelligence agencies.
Jobs for Our District and a Strong Economy:
I will work hard to bring entrepreneurs and their businesses to our 14th Congressional district. I support small businesses. I also support tax credits that will bring additional income and jobs to the farming regions of our district.
Food and Health Care for Every Child
It's immoral for America to let its children go hungry and live without health care. We must ensure that every child under the age of eighteen has food to eat and the health care they need to grow into happy and productive citizens.
Universal Health Care for All Adults
I support universal health care for adults, stem cell research and prescription drug reform.
Info on Jotham Stein:
VoteStein.com
The Beacon News
John Laesch
John Laesch is no stranger around these parts. Having run against Hastert in 2006, it looks like Laesch is gearing up for another go in 2008. Rather than giving you a breakdown on John Laesch, I'll let you read Kos' still relevant fighting Dems diary on him.
Laesch has a new campaign website up, but it's still pretty empty. His 2006 site has been taken down.
Info on John Laesch:
john08.com
In my next diary, I'll cover Hastert's potential primary challengers.
UPDATE: Carl Nyberg pointed out in the comments that Joe Serra, a businessman from Geneva will also be running. Here are some links that I found:
DNC Party Builder
Democrat Joe Serra Planning to Run in 14th Congressional