9th District Debate Shows Stark Differences Between Candidates

Schakowsky Highlights Opponent's Right Wing Views

EVANSTON, IL (October 10th, 2010)
At the League of Women Voters sponsored candidate debate Sunday afternoon, stark differences became apparent in the positions of the two candidates with respect to critical economic and political issues.

Schakowsky's Campaign Manager, Alex Armour, said that Republican candidate Joel Pollak's statements in the debate showed clearly that his right wing views are inconsistent with the progressive values of the 9th District.

Pollak was greeted with loud boos from the audience when, in his closing statement, he made personal attacks on Schakowsky and her husband.

Armour noted that the Chicago Tribune criticized Pollak's tendency to resort to character attacks in its editorial endorsing Schakowsky.  The Tribune Editorial called on Pollak to "dial down the disdain for people who disagree with him."

Schakowsky's opening statement is below:

OPENING STATEMENT

I am incredibly grateful that you have given me the responsibility of making decisions that affect the lives of so many Americans, and that back home I and my staff have been able to use the power of this office to help well over 25,000 residents, often in life changing ways.

This race offers a real choice.

I am proud to be a stand-up progressive, and at the same time, the National Journal ranks me as 31^st most influential member of the U.S. House.  My opponent is an active participant in the Tea Party.

I am dedicated to protecting Social Security from privatization and benefit cuts, and preventing the dismantling of Medicare by turning it into a voucher program.  My opponent was the first candidate to support Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget Roadmap that promises to do just that.

I am 100% pro-choice but my opponent had the former chair of Concerned Women for America, an organization that is staunchly anti-choice, headlining an event.

You can see more differences at the website of Project Vote Smart.

Increase the minimum wage?                   Schakowsky YES         Pollak NO

Support affirmative action?            Schakowsky YES         Pollak NO

Support regulations to reduce                  Schakowsky YES         Pollak  NO

   climate change?

Support drilling in federally            Schakowsky NO Pollak YES

   protected areas?

Support carrying concealed             Schakowsky NO Pollak  YES

   weapons?                                     

Support ban on assault weapons?   Schakowsky YES         Pollak NO 

Support a pathway to                       Schakowsky YES         Pollak NO

   Citizenship for undocumented

          Immigrants?

Support a public option?                Schakowsky YES         Pollak NO

There is one issue on which Joel and I agree – the importance of support for the state of Israel.  Both political parties, and both candidates in this race, I cite my 100% AIPAC voting record, are pro-Israel. 

The Sun-Times and the Tribune have endorsed my reelection, but more importantly, I seek your endorsement and your vote.