On Tuesday, Jan. 29, I met with Debbie Halvorson at her campaign office in Steger.
During the interview, Halvorson focused heavily on finishing what she started as a U.S. representative for the 11th District. She talk about returning to Washington to continue supporting President Barack Obama on divisive issues, including healthcare. At the same time, Halvorson explained why she diverges with Obama on the assault weapons ban.
Visit Debbie Halvorson's candidate profile on Patch to watch the extended video of the interview.
Key Issues
Jobs
Halvorson said her No. 1 concern is jobs in the 2nd District. She spoke at length about creating good-paying opportunities within the district and giving employers better incentives to hire local. Halvorson also stressed the importance of equal opportunities and making sure everyone gets a fair shot.
Education
Halvorson said she would like to see vocational education back in schools, noting that not everyone will go to college. She said a key goal for her would be to prepare high school students for jobs.
Gun Control
The former U.S. representative said she does not believe an assault weapons ban will solve the problem of gun violence, citing Cook County's ban as an example. Halvorson said she would rather focus on using better background checks to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. She also said she would like to see more attention go to mental health.
Noteworthy Quotes
"Cook County has an assault weapons ban an they have the highest murders in the country. Over 500 ... I don't think one more law against law-abiding citizens is going to do anything to get guns out of the hands of criminals." - On the proposed assault weapons ban.
"I watched my mom battle breast cancer without health insurance. I knew and I was focused on going to Congress to stand with our president to pass health care. I need to go back to make sure it's implemented." - On her reasons for returning to Washington.
The Takeaway
Halvorson is one of just three candidates in this race that has run a campaign for the 2nd District seat before. She learned the lay of the land last year, during her campaign against Jesse Jackson Jr. She also has experience as a U.S. representative.
On the flip side, Jackson defeated Halvorson pretty easily last year, and some could argue that she isn't the right fit for the 2nd District.
What do you think? Has Debbie Halvorson's experience and unique stance on some of the issues swayed you to vote for her? Tell us in the comments!
NEXT: Ernest B. Fenton explains his background and why it had readied him to represent the 2nd District.
Return to our intro page to learn more about this series and see the full list of candidates.
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The use of the word "controversial" to describe her stance is only meant within the context of this primary race, given that she seems to disagree with nearly all the other candidates and has been the subject of scrutiny because of that. I agree that her views aren't controversial overall though.
Did she say under-employed? Who else has recognized UNDER EMPLOYED? Did she say "what is the best interest for citizen"? Did she recognized that mental health is an issue? Yeah She said it LOUD and CLEAR. She addressed real issues. The only reason decades of gun violence in America is culminating into an "issue" now is because of purposeful misdirection away from our epidemic issue of joblessness. We are so easily swayed by main stream media that we forget or ignore historical data. I think Debbie has not been swayed from real issues. The job of elected officials is to filter and enlarge, filter the garbage and enlarge real issues. I think Debbie recognizes this responsibility and is doing it well. No one has has spoken more clearly about our REAL issues. Nothing is more admirable and responsible than focusing on REAL problems instead of jumping on the political bandwagons. DEBBIE HALVORSON HAS MY VOTE!
"Active" candidate CHARLES RAYBURN has my vote. Here's why. CHARLES RAYBURN, married to the same woman for more that 32years has sent all three of his children to college and is not in this race merely to engage in the domestic politics of the 2nd congressional district of Illinois. (more to come)
CHARLES RAYBURN, has been a fully licensed insurance producer for the State of Illinois since 1976. He took his insurance license test weeks after Richard J. Daley Jr. took his insurance exams. Candidate RAYBURN passed all of his the first time arround. As we all know Richard J. Daley Jr. flunked all of his. (more to come)
Candidate CHARLES RAYBURN has my VOTE because he proved at the Rich Central so called debate, that he is not only willing to legally fight for his right to be recognized as an "ACTIVE" candadite rather than as a "SPECTATOR;" but his is also willing to teach our kids that who ever they and their parents send to congress must be willing to die for something. (more to come)
That's why each member of these churches have committed to VOTE for "ACTIVE" candidate CHARLES RAYBURN. (more to come)
Finally, any candidate or elected official needs to keep church and state separate.
IF her #1 concern is employment she needs to do her homework on this. The government needs to reduce business regulation and legislation, not provide incentives.
I think it is also agreeable that having this as a platform at least gives the conversation and possibly legislation the needed momentum. To think that anyone (other candidates) would approach housing issues ( and actually legislate on it) with out attacking the lack of having employment that provides living wage salaries is ridiculous. We had Blue Collar high paying jobs, and we can have that type of employment again; you are right it require a different set of laws and regulation. I am an advocate of education, I firmly believe it brings us out of the tangled jungle of ignorance. Rising above ignorance helps create a better electorate. These interviews are the FIRST IMPRESSION for many, I cannot imagine how someones saying "we need more female politicians" would think that is an issue worth including in your first impression. Thanks for pointing out your views, I hope my comments does not infer to be a defensive or offensive response. I am simply tired of politics as usual, and I want representation that reflect my concerns.
And we have tolerated far too much tomfoolery. Time to send someone to Washington that will represent everyone, not just the ones looking for free stuff.