Alexi Giannoulias in The Chicago Tribune

On Principles & Values: Accuses Kirk of economic treason for fundraising in China

Giannoulias accused Kirk of "economic treason" for raising money from US businessmen in China the day before a vote on overseas business, prompting Kirk to label his opponent "desperate and dishonorable."

Kirk's fundraiser was held not in China but via Internet video conferencing, and the event was scheduled long before Kirk's May 28 vote, his campaign said. The fundraiser with 12 citizens working in Beijing raised about $6,000.

Giannoulias refused to back away from his accusation tying Kirk's vote t the money. He said Kirk has put China's interest ahead of that of the US. "It can be called nothing other than an act of economic treason," said Giannoulias.

Kirk blasted the Democrat. "Alexi Giannoulias is running a desperate and dishonorable campaign," Kirk said in a statement. "I have worn our country's uniform for 21 years, and to accuse me of treason in any context is beyond the pale. Giannoulias is a desperate candidate who is now dishonoring the office he aspires to."

Source: Chicago Tribune coverage of 2010 IL Senate debate Oct 21, 2010

On Social Security: Gradual fixes: raising the cap; phase-down benefits for rich

I am deeply committed to the long-term strength of Medicare & Social Security, but the future success of these programs will require that we make tough decisions. No government program has been as successful at protecting our society's most vulnerable as Social Security. It is vital to America's seniors that we strengthen and stabilize this program. First and foremost, we must get our budget under control and stop financing our yearly discretionary spending with borrowed funds from the Trust Fund. Because Social Security is currently slated to pay full benefits until approximately 2037, we should consider gradual fixes that involve increasing the taxable wage base, raising the cap on taxable income, and providing less replacement income by the government--perhaps with a phase-down of social security benefits for those retiring with $5 million in assets. Source: Chicago Tribune election coverage Feb 2, 2010

The above quotations are from Media coverage of IL political races in The Chicago Tribune. Click here for other excerpts from Media coverage of IL political races in The Chicago Tribune. Click here for other excerpts by Alexi Giannoulias. Click here for a profile of Alexi Giannoulias.
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