Mark Curran in 2020 IL Senate race
On Budget & Economy:
Balanced budget via combo of increased revenue & budget cuts
Q: What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
A: It is a hard truth that balancing the budget-with the budget deficit we now have-is not possible without some sort of raise in revenue.
I am very much in favor of curtailing government spending and eliminating redundant bureaucracy and wasteful spending. But in order to accomplish a balanced budget,
it will take a combination of increased revenue and budget cuts. I do not believe that the middle class or upper middle income earners should have their taxes raised to achieve this.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Corporations:
Cut red tape and regulations for private business
Cut red tape and allow for private industry to foster innovation. What happens is congress creates an Administrative agency. The Administrative agency then creates its own regulations and other people within the agency have the role of enforcing the
laws and making judicial decisions. These agencies are often run by career government employees that have little accountability and virtually no oversight. The climate in some of these agencies is extremely hostile toward business.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Corporations:
Oversight of government agencies hostile to business
I have spent a significant part of my career as a lawyer working for and representing people against Administrative agencies. These agencies are often run by career government employees that have little accountability and virtually no oversight.
The climate in some of these agencies is extremely hostile toward business. I would work towards increased independent oversight of these agencies as well as assessing whether or not they have exceeded the limits for which they were created.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Corporations:
Cut red tape and regulations for private business
Cut red tape and allow for private industry to foster innovation. What happens is congress creates an Administrative agency. The Administrative agency then creates its own regulations and other people within the agency have the role of enforcing the
laws and making judicial decisions. These agencies are often run by career government employees that have little accountability and virtually no oversight. The climate in some of these agencies is extremely hostile toward business.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Crime:
Black Lives Matter addresses police racist conduct
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States?A: Does racism still exist in America? Of course it does, as it does in every nation. Have we made enormous strides-particularly in the last fifty years? Absolutely, we have.
I have spent many years in law enforcement. I have encountered instances of racism-and in many of those cases it was directed towards Latinos to a degree the media does not report in favor of a continued focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Those cases--and all other cases--of racist conduct on the part of law enforcement are not acceptable and should be stopped. However, I do NOT believe that there is a common thread of systemic racism running through American law enforcement or the
military. Racial strife and division-as it is being encouraged by leftist politicians and organizations-is what poses a threat to our domestic peace and security. That is abundantly clear as we watch chaos unfold in our cities.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Drugs:
Training and Narcan will help responders deal with overdoses
As Sheriff, I took steps to ensure my staff had the training and tools to help those experiencing a medical emergency or mental health emergency. The training in crisis intervention and in the proper use of naloxone (Narcan), would
ensure those experiencing either a mental health emergency or overdose would have care until they were attended to by the right medical professionals. I will be an advocate for increased mental health treatment and drug rehabilitation programs.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Drugs:
Training and Narcan will help responders deal with overdoses
As Sheriff, I took steps to ensure my staff had the training and tools to help those experiencing a medical emergency or mental health emergency. The training in crisis intervention and in the proper use of naloxone (Narcan),
would ensure those experiencing either a mental health emergency or overdose would have care until they were attended to by the right medical professionals. I will be an advocate for increased mental health treatment and drug rehabilitation programs.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Education:
Need localized approach to education and parental choice
Ensure a more localized approach to our education system.
Give parents the ability to choose where they want to send their child to school, regardless of their income level or zip code.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Education:
Need localized approach to education and parental choice
Ensure a more localized approach to our education system.
Give parents the ability to choose where they want to send their child to school, regardless of their income level or zip code.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Yes to cleaner fuel but some climate ideas are alarmist
We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources. Even if you don't believe man has contributed to climate change reasonable corrective behaviors will lead to cleaner air, cleaner water and a cleaner planet. I do not think it is necessary at this
time to say what those corrective behaviors should be but many of the suggestions being put forward are alarmist. Many of these suggestions would be too costly, have little impact and would decrease quality of life.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Yes to cleaner fuel but some climate ideas are alarmist
We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources. Even if you don't believe man has contributed to climate change reasonable corrective behaviors will lead to cleaner air, cleaner water and a cleaner planet. I do not think it is necessary at this
time to say what those corrective behaviors should be but many of the suggestions being put forward are alarmist. Many of these suggestions would be too costly, have little impact and would decrease quality of life.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Environment:
Use EPA to prosecute corporate polluters
Although, I do not believe the dire warnings that the end of Earth is imminent we are still called to be good stewards. We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources. The Environmental Protection Agency serves an important purpose.
Corporate polluters should be prosecuted and sent to prison. We need to protect our water supply. We need to continue to spend money to research climate issues and what can be done to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Environment:
Use EPA to prosecute corporate polluters
Although I do not believe the dire warnings that the end of Earth is imminent we are still called to be good stewards. We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources. The Environmental Protection Agency serves an important purpose.
Corporate polluters should be prosecuted and sent to prison. We need to protect our water supply. We need to continue to spend money to research climate issues and what can be done to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Health Care:
Preventative medicine approach, with free market principles
Q: How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?A: We are blessed to live in a nation that has the best healthcare system in the world--bar none. When it comes to further improving that system, we have
to be careful not to do things that run counter to free market principles. Having incentives to recruit and reward the very best and brightest heath care professionals is important. I am a believer in a preventative medicine approach that heads off
costly and debilitating problems before they start. There is also incredible waste and fraud throughout the Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance networks that needs to be taken fare more seriously. I also believe that people should be able to
purchase insurance policies across state lines . I take a different tack than some other conservatives do in that I believe that preserving Medicare and Medicaid-for those CITIZENS who truly need it-must be a high priority.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Proper funding & resources to fight terror
Q: What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?A: It is critical that all of the nation's current resources to fight terror are properly funded and staffed. This includes our counter intelligence
agencies, the FBI, and very importantly, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is also imperative that the policies of these departments are geared towards vigilant follow up and pro-active measures to combat threats before they result in harm to
Americans. In my view, the safety of our people can only be assured when we recognize that there is a portion of the overseas Muslim population that believes in waging jihad against The United States.
We have certainly seen the results of this mindset before, and we will again unless we understand the true danger.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Curtailing individual religious freedoms, I find abhorrent
Q: What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?A: Simply stated, there is no such clause in the Constitution.
When we read what the founders authored, we see that the First Amendment is more heavily weighted towards protecting the rights of those practicing religion that it is on prohibiting religion from the public sphere.
Often, this imagined clause of separation of church and state is used to justify the curtailment of individual religious freedoms, which I find abhorrent.
I believe that there should be no official established religion in America. Beyond this, I see no need to make any further distinctions.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Social Security:
Face hard truth to properly fund benefit programs
Q: How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?A: I believe in preserving Social Security. However, if we are to maintain this important benefit, we must face a hard truth: to properly fund these
programs we need to balance cutting costs with raising revenue. I am NOT in favor of raising taxes on the middle class to address this shortfall.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Welfare & Poverty:
Access to food is a right and Congress must safeguard it
Access to food is something all Americans should have. The physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food should be a focus for Members of Congress and United States Senators. Right here in Illinois, we have the land,
resources, and amazing farmers that help feed our nation. As your senator, I will ensure our farmers always have what they need to not only survive but to also ensure what they grow, raise, and produce helps feed Americans.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Welfare & Poverty:
Access to food is a right and Congress must safeguard it
Access to food is something all Americans should have. The physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food should be a focus for Members of Congress and United States Senators. Right here in Illinois, we have the land,
resources, and amazing farmers that help feed our nation. As your senator, I will ensure our farmers always have what they need to not only survive but to also ensure what they grow, raise, and produce helps feed Americans.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Bless us with four more years of Donald Trump
Curran laments the fiscal state of Illinois and the exodus of population. At the rally, he also said a prayer, saying "Father, we have a president that has fought for our liberty like none other. We have a Supreme Court that we can all finally trust
to ensure our constitutional liberties. We are the most godforsaken state in America, but we are fighters. We ask you, Father, bless us with four more years of Donald Trump. And let's make Illinois red."
Source: The State Journal-Register on 2020 Illinois Senate race
May 23, 2020
On Abortion:
IL Right to Life Action: rated most prolife in Senate race
Before federal and state elections, Illinois Right to Life Action surveys candidates to determine their position on issues concerning life. For the March 2020 IL GOP primary, the group rated former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran as most "pro-life."
The group rated Mark Curran as most prolife with a "1." The IL Right to Life Action group gave incumbent U.S. Senator Dick Durbin a "4"--rating--Pro-Abortion.
Source: Illinois Review on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 31, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
Would support and lead on Balanced Budget Amendment
The budget is out of control and a higher and higher percentage of the budget will go toward interest on the debt. President Trump increased military spending approximately 100 million dollars. We must honor our promise to seniors regarding Medicare and
Social Security which comprise approximately 40 percent of the budget. Since we must honor those promises nothing else can be considered a sacred cow. I would support a balanced budget amendment and would lead on one.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Education:
There is no student loan crisis: against "free college"
Q: What should Congress do to address the student loan crisis? Would you use the word "crisis"?CURRAN: I could cite many examples as to why the Illinois Universities are known for waste and unreasonably high salaries and pensions.
I am not a proponent of "free college." Peoples choices have consequences and there is a reason why people come from all over the globe to go to college here. There is no crisis.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Not convinced climate change is current threat to humankind
I am not convinced that climate change is currently a threat to humankind. However, humans have suffered negative effects from prior misuse of the planet. Although, I do not believe the dire warnings that the end of Earth is imminent we are still called
to be good stewards of the Earth. We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Environment:
Corporate polluters should be prosecuted and sent to prison
The Environmental Protection Agency serves an important purpose. Corporate polluters should be prosecuted and sent to prison. We need to protect our water supply.
We need to continue to spend money to research climate issues and what can be done to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Some Islamic nations not ripe for democracy
The United States attempts to promote democracy around the world have failed. The United States has spent too much money and lost too many lives from war. Some Islamic Nations are not ripe for democracy because of their interpretation of the Koran.
The best way for the United States to spread democracy around the world is by being a good example. As Ronald Reagan described "a shining city on a hill" illustrating the marvels of capitalism, democratic elections and a pluralistic society.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Free Trade:
Tariffs may be necessary; subsidize farmers if required
I think tariffs on international commerce may be necessary. The United States is the great food exporter to the world. Illinois farmers suffered from the tariffs. President Trump wisely did give some of the increased tariff money to farmers.
I think that it important that we protect farmers. America needs to continue to be the great food exporter and Illinois needs to continue to be the heartland. I am in favor of subsidies if that is what is required in a down year to keep the farmer going.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Gun Control:
Absent amendment, many proposed laws unconstitutional
Absent a Constitutional Amendment many proposed laws are not constitutional. However, I think it is important to get guns out of the hands of mentally ill and dangerous individuals. This type of legislation cannot be vague, nor can it be arbitrarily
applied as many proposed Red Flag laws currently read. I would support and help draft legislation directed at the mentally ill as well as dangerous.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Health Care:
Study ACA to see what's working before deciding to repeal
Our health care system must protect preexisting conditions. If I am elected to the United States Senate, I would study the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has approximately 20,000 pages of regulations associated with the Act. I want to know what,
if anything, is working in the ACA before deciding to replace or repeal the Act completely. I am not a proponent of a single payer health care system. Private industry has a better record of running business than the Federal government.
The problem with the cost of prescription drug prices is that they reflect more than the cost to produce the pill. The drug maker needs to recover those costs and make a profit in order to have an incentive to continue to spend
money on research and development. We may want to examine whether our drug companies are charging foreign countries enough.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Immigration:
For border wall; but path to citizenship for DREAMers
I support a border wall as well as increased funding for both Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol Agents.
I support maintaining our sovereignty and stopping the flow of illegal immigration.
I support legislation regarding both DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and Dreamers (Dream Act) Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors.
These people did not choose to come here voluntarily. Their families brought them here. We would be less of a Nation if we deported them to a place they no longer know. I also support a path to citizenship for Dreamers.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Social Security:
Local pensions invest the majority of money in the market
We must ensure the future solvency of Medicare and Social Security and the solvency concerns related to these agencies are genuine. The Social Security Administration has been buying United States Treasury Bonds for years.
Local pensions invest the majority of their investors' money in the market. Another problem these agencies face is the declining birth rate in America. Absent immigrants there will be no future work force to grow the economy and help support our seniors.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Simplify tax code; against tax breaks for large corporations
I would support simplifying the tax code. I am not in favor of tax breaks for big banks, internet, oil, gas and other large corporations giving them an unfair advantage. We will be better as a nation with tax policies that help the local economies.
America will be better when we have more entrepreneurs and small businesses. We need to enforce antitrust laws and ensure that Washington is not giving the big corporations an unfair advantage over the little guy.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On War & Peace:
Sanctions & possible bombing, to stop spread of nuclear arms
A nuclear attack by one of the 8 nations that have nuclear arms followed by a nuclear response from the United States would end the world as we know it. There is a Nuclear Proliferation Treaty and the future survival of our country may depend on being
engaged in the world community for this reason alone. The United States should continue to engage in sanctions and possibly more, including bombing, to prevent rogue nations from getting nuclear arms.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Jan 22, 2020
On Government Reform:
Supports term limits for Congress
Curran said, "Dick Durbin is part of the status quo that has led our great country and our hard-working families to the brink of bankruptcy due to record federal government spending, record federal government borrowing and record federal government
debt with no end in sight. We can't change Washington until we change the people in Washington, so I say that we need to enforce our own term limits. Anyone who has been in Washington DC for more than 12 years needs to be sent home."
Source: Shelbyville Daily Union on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Oct 10, 2019
On Drugs:
Key to solving opioid epidemic is border security
The solution to the opioid epidemic starts with increased border security. To truly curtail the problem, federal policymakers must focus on tightening border security and giving border agents the training, tools and resources to stop fentanyl
before it flows to the rest of the country. Communities across the U.S. have been battling the opioid addiction crisis for years, but we will only be truly successful if the problem at the border is fixed by the federal government.
Source: Northwest Herald on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Sep 22, 2019
On Immigration:
Supports Trump on funding for border/ICE agents, border wall
Curran said, "With regards to those here illegally--it's a mess, and has been for some time." He referred to measures that have not been able to get from the U.S. Congress to the President's desk, saying the issue is at
a stalemate. "There's not enough funding for border agents, ICE agents, or the wall--and I support the President on those issues," he said. "I guarantee I know more about immigration than all of the other candidates."
[Curran's opponent] Dr. Tom Tarter responded by saying he's writing a white paper on the issue regarding the "DREAMers" who came to America with their parents illegally, saying he would not allow those
DREAMers that had committed felonies to become citizens, but he would specifically allow those that have served in the military to become citizens
Source: Illinois Review on 2020 Illinois Senate debate
Sep 22, 2019
On Energy & Oil:
Opposes "far-left radical environmental agenda"
Curran said Durbin has moved to the far left on issues like the environment. "Dick
Durbin is in bed with the far-left radical environmental agenda which is killing Illinois," Curran said.
Source: WSIL-TV News-3 on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Sep 10, 2019
On Abortion:
Pro-life, only allow abortion to save life of mother
He also said Durbin is "not really a Catholic," noting that Durbin, who is Catholic, has been denied communion in his home diocese in
Springfield because he backs legal abortion. Curran said he is pro-life and would only allow abortion to save the life of the mother.
Source: State Journal-Register on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Aug 18, 2019
On Civil Rights:
The wrong people moved in, and changed Lake County
Former Sheriff Mark Curran--who is seeking to run against Sen. Dick Durbin--argued Lake County is no longer purple. It's blue.But he went a little further than that. "You know, the wrong people moved in, what have you," Curran said at the Illinois
Republican County Chairman's Association breakfast in Springfield. "We need to change that and we will."
It's unclear whether Curran was talking about the demographics or the politics of the county.
Curran later told the Sun-Times he was referring to "Chicago transplants that vote Democrat and do not mind paying high taxes," noting Lake County has the highest property taxes in the state.
He said any assumption that he was talking about
demographics is just from "partisan liars." "It's nonsense that I would ever refer to minorities," Curran said. "It's horrible to even think that."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Aug 15, 2019
On Abortion:
Opposed partial-birth abortion
Curran, an opponent of abortion rights, was a longtime supporter of allowing concealed carry of firearms in Illinois. He was not opposed to universal background checks to purchase a firearm but contended issues involving mental health and video games
are more significant in dealing with gun violence than attempting to ban high-power weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. "There's a connection to the sanctity of life, that you could kill a baby in a partial-birth abortion," he said.
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Aug 7, 2019
On Gun Control:
Focus on mental health & video games, not guns
Curran, an opponent of abortion rights, was a longtime supporter of allowing concealed carry of firearms in Illinois. He was not opposed to universal background checks to purchase a firearm but contended issues involving mental health and video games
are more significant in dealing with gun violence than attempting to ban high-power weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. "There's a connection to the sanctity of life, that you could kill a baby in a partial-birth abortion," he said.
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Aug 7, 2019
On Immigration:
Backed bipartisan legislation with path for citizenship
Curran has been somewhat of an outlier on immigration issues in contrast to President Donald Trump and other Republicans. Curran has repeatedly called for comprehensive immigration reform and backed the
2013 bipartisan legislation that contained a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally and overwhelmingly passed the Senate but was never called in the Republican-led House.
Source: Chicago Tribune on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Aug 7, 2019
On Immigration:
Deporting working people with families is absolutely wrong
I believe in the rule of law. We're talking about people that have been here for 20 years and they have five children that are U.S. citizens.
And they came here under this message: "Don't worry about it. You can get into this country. You can work, and nobody's ever going to ask about it." Now we're going to deport them? To me that's absolutely wrong.
Source: PBS Frontline on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Oct 18, 2011
On Immigration:
When rights of one are in jeopardy, rights of all are
Q: Do you worry if you deny due process to any individual, with or without papers, that makes it easier for due process to be denied to an American citizen?CURRAN: Absolutely. When the rights of one are in jeopardy, then the rights of all are.
I think that that's clearly a concern, because if our law tends to go in that direction and say that something is no longer constitutional, what's to prevent it from being broadened or expanded to take that right away from you or me as well?
Source: PBS Frontline on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Oct 18, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 07, 2020