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Governor, Mayors and Pundits:
Daniel Biss on Principles & Values
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Democratic candidate for Governor:
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Daniel Biss on other issues.
- Endorsed by Our Revolution national progressive group. (Mar 2018)
- Took on the political machine & won with creative solutions. (Apr 2017)
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Jeanne Ives on Principles & Values
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| Republican Challenger for IL Governor:
Click here for Jeanne Ives on other issues.
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Chris Kennedy on Principles & Values
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| Democratic candidate for Governor:
Click here for Chris Kennedy on other issues.
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Ameya Pawar on Principles & Values
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| Democratic candidate for Governor:
Click here for Ameya Pawar on other issues.
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J.B. Pritzker on Principles & Values
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Democratic candidate for Illinois Governor:
Click here for 4 full quotes
OR click here for J.B. Pritzker on other issues.
- We need a reliably well-funded government. (Feb 2021)
- We had to give up things; we didn't forget how to be human. (Feb 2021)
- Ignored small problems become big problems. (Jan 2020)
- Who needs another rich guy running for office? (Jul 2017)
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Pat Quinn on Principles & Values
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Democratic Governor:
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Pat Quinn on other issues.
- Say "no" to world of powerful feeding upon the powerless. (Jan 2014)
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Bruce Rauner on Principles & Values
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Republican Governor:
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Bruce Rauner on other issues.
- Moral duty to serve long-term interest of people of Illinois. (Feb 2015)
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Senate:
IL 2022: 2022 IL Governor's race
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Mark Curran on Principles & Values
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| Republican Senate challenger:
Click here for 4 full quotes
OR click here for Mark Curran on other issues.
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Tammy Duckworth on Principles & Values
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Democratic Senate candidate:
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Tammy Duckworth on other issues.
- I answer the call when asked to serve my country. (May 2020)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Richard Durbin on Principles & Values
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Democratic Sr Senator (IL):
Click here for 8 full quotes
OR click here for Richard Durbin on other issues.
- President is on trial for impeachment, but so is Senate. (Dec 2019)
- Bipartisan dialogue instead of gridlock. (Mar 2013)
- Voted with Democratic Party 97.5% of 323 votes. (Sep 2007)
- Voted YES on confirming of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court. (Aug 2009)
- Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
- Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Sharon Hansen on Principles & Values
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Libertarian Challenger:
Click here for 4 full quotes
OR click here for Sharon Hansen on other issues.
- Judeo-Christian values established our government framework. (Sep 2014)
- Vote based on majority views of constituents. (Dec 2013)
- If "God" in public places offends you, go elsewhere. (Dec 2013)
- God was given great importance by our founding fathers. (Dec 2013)
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Napoleon Harris on Principles & Values
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| Democratic Senate candidate:
Click here for Napoleon Harris on other issues.
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Jim Oberweis on Principles & Values
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Republican Senate Challenger:
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Jim Oberweis on other issues.
- Milk Dud: poured dairy fortune into 5 failed campaigns. (Mar 2014)
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Anne Stava-Murray on Principles & Values
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| Democratic 2020 Senate Challenger:
Click here for Anne Stava-Murray on other issues.
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Doug Truax on Principles & Values
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Republican Senate Challenger (lost primary):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Doug Truax on other issues.
- Unalienable rights are granted by God, not by government. (Feb 2014)
- The Great Experiment known as America shines brightly. (Nov 2013)
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Andrea Zopp on Principles & Values
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| Democratic Senate candidate:
Click here for Andrea Zopp on other issues.
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House:
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Mike Bost on Principles & Values
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Republican House Member (District 12):
Click here for 3 full quotes
OR click here for Mike Bost on other issues.
- Young Gun candidate in national Republican "Drive to 245". (Oct 2014)
- Member of the Republican Study Committee. (Jan 2016)
- Overturn presidential election due to pandemic voting rules. (Dec 2020)
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Cheri Bustos on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 17):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Cheri Bustos on other issues.
- Democrat from Trump-won district opposes impeachment. (Dec 2017)
- National Dems' "Front line incumbent retention" target. (Oct 2014)
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Sean Casten on Principles & Values
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| Democrat (District 6):
Click here for Sean Casten on other issues.
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Danny Davis on Principles & Values
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Democratic Representative (IL-7):
Click here for 6 full quotes
OR click here for Danny Davis on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Baptist. (Nov 2000)
- Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
- Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Oct 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Rodney Davis on Principles & Values
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Republican (District 13):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Rodney Davis on other issues.
- Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Aug 2012)
- Member of the Republican Study Committee. (Jan 2016)
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Bob Dold on Principles & Values
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Republican House Member (District 10):
Click here for 4 full quotes
OR click here for Bob Dold on other issues.
- Endorsed by Log Cabin Republicans; supports gay rights. (Aug 2012)
- Opposes barring anti-religious art funding. (Aug 2014)
- Young Gun candidate in national Republican "Drive to 245". (Oct 2014)
- Chair of moderate GOP caucus, the Tuesday Group. (Dec 2015)
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Bill Enyart on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 12):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Bill Enyart on other issues.
- National Dems' "Front line incumbent retention" target. (Oct 2014)
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Bill Foster on Principles & Values
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Democrat:
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Bill Foster on other issues.
- Won Denny Hastert's seat in close race in swing district. (Apr 2010)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Chuy Garcia on Principles & Values
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| Democrat (District 4):
Click here for Chuy Garcia on other issues.
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Luis Gutierrez on Principles & Values
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Democratic Representative (IL-4):
Click here for 7 full quotes
OR click here for Luis Gutierrez on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
- Member of Congressional Hispanic Caucus. (Jan 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Oct 2001)
- Member of Congressional Hispanic Caucus. (Nov 2007)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)
- Religious freedom means no religious registry. (May 2016)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Randy Hultgren on Principles & Values
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Republican (District 14):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Randy Hultgren on other issues.
- Member of the Tea Party movement. (Aug 2012)
- Member of the Republican Study Committee. (Jan 2016)
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Robin Kelly on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 2):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Robin Kelly on other issues.
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Adam Kinzinger on Principles & Values
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Republican (District 16):
Click here for 3 full quotes
OR click here for Adam Kinzinger on other issues.
- Protesting Electoral College is "scam"; accept Trump losing. (Dec 2020)
- 2003: Hero of the Year Award from local Red Cross. (Sep 2010)
- Chair of moderate GOP caucus, the Tuesday Group. (Dec 2015)
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Raja Krishnamoorthi on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 8):
Click here for 3 full quotes
OR click here for Raja Krishnamoorthi on other issues.
- First Hindu-American & Indian-American in Congress. (Nov 2016)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
- Impeachment is remedy for personal interests over country. (Dec 2019)
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Darin LaHood on Principles & Values
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Republican House Member (District 18):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Darin LaHood on other issues.
- Member of the Republican Study Committee. (Jan 2016)
- Overturn presidential election due to pandemic voting rules. (Dec 2020)
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Dan Lipinski on Principles & Values
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| Democratic Representative (IL-3):
Click here for Dan Lipinski on other issues.
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Mike Quigley on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 5):
Click here for 3 full quotes
OR click here for Mike Quigley on other issues.
- 7th on list of "10 Poorest Members of Congress". (Sep 2013)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
- Impeachment is remedy for personal interests over country. (Dec 2019)
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Mel Reynolds on Principles & Values
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| Democratic candidate (District 2):
Click here for Mel Reynolds on other issues.
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Peter Roskam on Principles & Values
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Republican:
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Peter Roskam on other issues.
- Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Sep 2010)
- Member of the Republican Study Committee. (Jan 2016)
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Bobby Rush on Principles & Values
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Democratic Representative (IL-1):
Click here for 7 full quotes
OR click here for Bobby Rush on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Protestant. (Nov 2000)
- Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
- Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Oct 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)
- Religious freedom means no religious registry. (May 2016)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Jan Schakowsky on Principles & Values
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Democratic Representative (IL-9):
Click here for 7 full quotes
OR click here for Jan Schakowsky on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Jewish. (Nov 2000)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Oct 2001)
- Profiled in "Jews in American Politics". (Jan 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. (Jul 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)
- Religious freedom means no religious registry. (May 2016)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Brad Schneider on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 10):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Brad Schneider on other issues.
- National Dems' "Front line incumbent retention" target. (Oct 2014)
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John Shimkus on Principles & Values
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Republican Representative (IL-19):
Click here for 4 full quotes
OR click here for John Shimkus on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Lutheran. (Nov 2000)
- Endorsed by Log Cabin Republicans; supports gay rights. (Nov 2000)
- Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Sep 2010)
- Member of the Republican Study Committee. (Jan 2016)
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Lauren Underwood on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 14):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Lauren Underwood on other issues.
- I get stopped and told I'm not supposed to be where I am. (Jun 2019)
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Former candidates & officeholders:
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Rod Blagojevich on Principles & Values
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Democratic IL Governor; previously Representative (IL-5):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Rod Blagojevich on other issues.
- Arrested in 2008 on federal corruption charges. (May 2010)
- Religious affiliation: Eastern Orthodox. (Nov 2000)
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Joe Walsh on Principles & Values
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Republican presidential primary challenger:
Click here for 9 full quotes
OR click here for Joe Walsh on other issues.
- Donald Trump is a traitor; that is impeachable. (Oct 2019)
- 2010: opposed by namesake rock star Joe Walsh. (Oct 2019)
- 2013: supported birtherism; 2019: apologized for it. (Oct 2019)
- I helped create Trump; now I have to live with that. (Sep 2019)
- All states should hold primaries, not just re-nominate Trump. (Sep 2019)
- The "Age of Trump" woke him up to racism of past comments. (Aug 2019)
- Look into 25th amendment for Donald Trump. (Aug 2019)
- Opposing Trump because he's an "unfit divider in chief". (Aug 2019)
- Member of the Tea Party movement. (Aug 2012)
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Tammy Duckworth on Principles & Values
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Democrat (retiring 2016) (District 8):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Tammy Duckworth on other issues.
- I answer the call when asked to serve my country. (May 2020)
- Question Trump on Emoluments clause. (May 2017)
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Jesse Louis Jackson on Principles & Values
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Democratic Representative (IL-2):
Click here for 8 full quotes
OR click here for Jesse Louis Jackson on other issues.
- National co-chair of Obama's presidential campaign. (Jan 2009)
- Obama is first thoughtful black speaker since MLK. (Jan 2009)
- "More perfect union" requires significant federal government. (Oct 2001)
- Religious affiliation: Baptist. (Nov 2000)
- Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
- Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Oct 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)
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Bobby Schilling on Principles & Values
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Republican challenger 2014 (District 17):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Bobby Schilling on other issues.
- Young Gun candidate in national Republican "Drive to 245". (Oct 2014)
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Aaron Schock on Principles & Values
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Republican (resigned 2015) (District 18):
Click here for 3 full quotes
OR click here for Aaron Schock on other issues.
- 2008: Youngest member of US House of Representatives. (Sep 2010)
- Republicans need “Schock to the system” to win again. (Nov 2008)
- Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Sep 2010)
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George Ryan on Principles & Values
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Former Republican Governor (1999-2002):
Click here for 5 full quotes
OR click here for George Ryan on other issues.
- Instinct for centrism. (Nov 1999)
- Religious affiliation: Methodist. (Nov 2000)
- Member of Midwestern Governors' Association. (Sep 2001)
- Member, National Governors Association/Economic Development. (Jan 2001)
- Member of Republican Governors Association. (Aug 2001)
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James Thompson on Principles & Values
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| Former Republican Governor (1977-1990):
Click here for James Thompson on other issues.
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Philip Crane on Principles & Values
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Republican (Until 2004) (District 8):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Philip Crane on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Protestant. (Nov 2000)
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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James Durkin on Principles & Values
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| 2002 Former Republican Senate Challenger:
Click here for James Durkin on other issues.
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Harris Fawell on Principles & Values
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Republican Former (1994-) (District 13):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Harris Fawell on other issues.
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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Peter Fitzgerald on Principles & Values
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Former Republican incumbent; retired 2004:
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Peter Fitzgerald on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
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Mike Flanagan on Principles & Values
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Republican Former (1994-) (District 5):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for Mike Flanagan on other issues.
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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Denny Hastert on Principles & Values
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Republican (Retired 2007) (District 14):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Denny Hastert on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Methodist. (Nov 2000)
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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Alan Keyes on Principles & Values
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American Independent nominee for President; 2004 Republican challenger for IL Senate:
Click here for 27 full quotes
OR click here for Alan Keyes on other issues.
- Nominated for president by America’s Independent Party. (Aug 2008)
- Be authentic about who you are. (Dec 2007)
- We don’t fight for victory; we fight for liberty & faith. (Sep 2007)
- We face crisis of moral values and principles. (Sep 2007)
- We can’t remain free if we don’t acknowledge God’s authority. (Sep 2007)
- Campaigning to raise the standard of our allegiance to God. (Sep 2007)
- Website donors asked to take a pledge for America’s revival. (Sep 2007)
- Declares candidacy on live talk radio show. (Sep 2007)
- Top issues: Defend life; respect for God; restore character. (Sep 2007)
- Great principles at stake: marriage & innocent life. (Oct 2004)
- Core values: life, liberty, faith, family, freedom. (Aug 2004)
- Strengthen the foundations of political liberty. (Aug 2004)
- Christianity best; but Declaration of Independence will do. (Aug 2004)
- America’s problems rooted in moral decline. (Aug 2004)
- Black liberal leadership are a generation of toadies. (Jul 2004)
- Anything the government gives you destroys your liberty. (Feb 2004)
- Separation of church and state is phony and is a weapon. (Oct 2003)
- The real outsider for conservative Republicans. (Feb 2000)
- Bring God back into the White House. (Jan 2000)
- Address moral crisis or lose our liberty. (Oct 1999)
- Core Beliefs Based on ‘Unalienable Rights’. (Jan 1999)
- Moral bases come from Christianity via Declaration. (Jan 1999)
- Reverence for God is foundation of justice & citizenship. (Jan 1999)
- Against the “gay agenda”. (Jun 1998)
- #1: Restore the moral foundations of family life. (Jul 1996)
- Truth & right vs. wrong underlies government & society. (May 1996)
- The crisis of our times is a crisis of character. (May 1996)
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William Lipinski on Principles & Values
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Democrat (Until 2004) (District 3):
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for William Lipinski on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
- Member of the "Blue Dog" Coalition of conservative Democrats. (Nov 2000)
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Carol Moseley-Braun on Principles & Values
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Former Democratic Senator (Until 1998):
Click here for 11 full quotes
OR click here for Carol Moseley-Braun on other issues.
- Withdraws from presidential race; endorses Howard Dean. (Jan 2004)
- Contested primaries help energize Dems for general election. (Nov 2003)
- I win elections by building bridges & breaking down barriers. (Nov 2003)
- Constitution created a republic; we have to create democracy. (Oct 2003)
- Favorite song: “You Gotta Be.”. (Sep 2003)
- Take the “men only” sign off the White House door. (Sep 2003)
- Demand the truth and stop the deceits. (Jun 2003)
- Fight the greedy and help the needy. (May 2003)
- It’s time for serious female presidential candidate. (May 2003)
- GOP bringing US down wrong road; we can turn this around. (May 2003)
- Fund the 50 States Commemorative Coin Program. (Dec 1997)
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Barack Obama on Principles & Values
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Democratic President (2009-2017); IL Senator (2004-2008):
Click here for 220 full quotes
OR click here for Barack Obama on other issues.
- Presidency means reverence for democracy placed in his care. (Aug 2020)
- Goal of transition to Trump: grace and dignity. (Nov 2018)
- Michelle Obama has no intention of running for office, ever. (Nov 2018)
- America is defined by innovative spirit: it's in our DNA. (Jan 2016)
- Democracy is frustrating, but it makes countries stronger. (Sep 2015)
- Put nation's interests before party. (Feb 2013)
- If all Americans get opportunity, we're all better off. (Oct 2012)
- Letters from Americans: This is who we are fighting for. (Sep 2012)
- OpEd: Offered a third way; but hid left-of-center agenda. (Jun 2012)
- OpEd: Many blacks voted for Obama only because he's black. (Jan 2012)
- Compact in past decades: do your job & make it in America. (Sep 2011)
- OpEd: seeks newer New Deals and greater Great Societies. (Feb 2011)
- American exceptionalism is same as any other exceptionalism. (Nov 2010)
- 92% of Tea Partiers: "Obama is moving US toward socialism". (Sep 2010)
- Loyal opposition is not just valuable, but a necessity. (Jan 2010)
- Hard times test us, like we have been tested in the past. (Jan 2010)
- Despite setbacks, Americans don't quit; & I don't quit. (Jan 2010)
- OpEd: Comfortable with differences; downplays separations. (Jul 2009)
- OpEd: Master of values-laden over outcome-laden language. (Jul 2009)
- OpEd: Unflappability comes from Methodist grandparents. (Jan 2009)
- OpEd: Combines clergy oratory with intellectual eloquence. (Jan 2009)
- "Obama Messiah Watch": Keep eye on media gushing hyperbolic. (Jan 2009)
- Ordinary people found the courage to keep the promise alive. (Aug 2008)
- Measure progress by observing how ordinary people are doing. (Aug 2008)
- Our government must keep the promise of America. (Aug 2008)
- Fulfilling America’s promise means individual participation. (Aug 2008)
- The American promise is our greatest inheritance. (Aug 2008)
- Traditional conservatives value temperance & restraint. (Aug 2008)
- OpEd: Themes of "hope" and "change" has numerous antecedents. (Aug 2008)
- We have to demand more from ourselves. (Jul 2008)
- Michelle: My husband demands you move out of comfort zone. (Jul 2008)
- The Clinton years were undeniably better than the Bush years. (Jan 2008)
- Turn the page on the failed politics & policies of the past. (Jan 2008)
- Criticizes voter cynicism from decades of disappointment. (Oct 2007)
- Post-1960s politics more about moral attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
- Americans dislike partisanship--not solution like Dems think. (Oct 2006)
- Enlist the American people in the process of self-government. (Jan 2006)
- Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Themes
- Equality is an American value that motivates us. (Jul 2016)
- Democracy is frustrating, but it makes countries stronger. (Sep 2015)
- Opportunity is who we are: let's restore that promise. (Jan 2014)
- I want to build on our strengths; invest in America. (Oct 2012)
- This election about vision of restoring middle class values. (Sep 2012)
- Fundamental American promise: work hard & build better life. (Sep 2012)
- Appointed Clinton & Biden as "team of rivals," like Lincoln. (Jun 2012)
- Effective citizenship means listening to opposing views. (Oct 2011)
- OpEd: Transformative from individualism to collectivism. (Apr 2010)
- Campaign slogan: "Yes, we can". (Mar 2010)
- We've had lots of plans; but a shortage of hope. (Jan 2010)
- We’re more decent & compassionate than last 8 years. (Aug 2008)
- ¡Sí, se puede! Yes, we can!. (Jun 2008)
- Life experiences taught me how to bring people together. (Feb 2008)
- People understand we must bring the country together. (Feb 2008)
- End politics of division; make it about addition. (Jan 2008)
- Hope is the bedrock of this nation. (Jan 2008)
- Resounds with American theme of overcoming burden of history. (Nov 2007)
- Cultivates comparison to Jack Kennedy. (Nov 2007)
- Campaigns assiduously in black churches. (Nov 2007)
- Community politics: merges Alinsky & political activism. (Oct 2007)
- Turn the page: invite GOP & independents to join in agenda. (Sep 2007)
- People have an urgent desire for change in Washington. (Jul 2007)
- A “hopemonger”, having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
- Washington can change if we say: Yes we can. (Mar 2007)
- Replace partisan bickering with politics of hope. (Feb 2007)
- I’ve been in DC long enough to know that it must change. (Feb 2007)
- Progressives should recognize common morality with religion. (Oct 2006)
- “Audacity of Hope” to change politics to reflect common good. (Oct 2006)
- Seek common ground, not a moral crusade. (Oct 2004)
- I’m living my parents’ dreams and the American dream. (Jul 2004)
- Greatness based on Declaration of Independence, not military. (Jul 2004)
- We are one people all defending the United States of America. (Jul 2004)
- Want common-sense solutions, not liberal-conservative labels. (Jul 2004)
Community Organizing
- Strength comes from people, not land and raw materials. (Sep 2015)
- Strength comes from people, not land and raw materials. (Sep 2015)
- OpEd: greatest talent is chairing balanced meetings. (May 2010)
- 2008 HQ phone greeting: "What can you do for us?". (Apr 2010)
- Required email list from every candidate event he attended. (Jan 2010)
- Headed "Project Vote!" in Chicago in 1990s. (Aug 2008)
- Obama worked in same community as Saul Alinsky. (Aug 2008)
- OpEd: Obama implements Alinsky's ideas of radical change. (Aug 2008)
- Used community organizer skills as State Senator. (Aug 2008)
- Organizer's method: from issue to action to power. (Apr 2008)
- 1980s: Registered 150,000 voters in Chicago "Project Vote". (Apr 2008)
- Moved to Illinois as community organizer, for $13,000 a year. (Feb 2007)
- Poverty of political organizers was proof of their integrity. (Aug 1996)
Family of Origin
- Maternal grandfather fought in WWII. (Oct 2011)
- OpEd: Black father abandoned him, yet identifies with him. (Nov 2009)
- Father had wife in Africa when he met and married Ann Dunham. (Aug 2008)
- Father left family for Harvard education. (Aug 2008)
- Father's upbringing was Muslim, although never religious. (Aug 2008)
- Father had 3 or 4 wives; Barack has at least 5 half-siblings. (Aug 2008)
- Many attribute mother's marriages to being anthropologist. (Aug 2008)
- Lived with grandparents in Hawaii over mother in Indonesia. (Aug 2008)
- Would be first president to have extended family abroad. (Aug 2008)
- OpEd: Obama invented the dreams in "Dreams from my Father". (Jul 2008)
- Greatest mistake: absence from mother when she died. (Apr 2008)
- Father's family from the Luo tribe of Kenya. (Apr 2008)
- Related to both Vice Pres. Cheney and Pres. Truman. (Apr 2008)
- Mother described as "the original feminist" at 1960 college. (Apr 2008)
- In his 20s, searched for his identity, absent both parents. (Apr 2008)
- Father was first African exchange student at U. Hawaii. (Aug 2007)
- Traces ancestry to Jefferson Davis, President of Confederacy. (Feb 2007)
- Greeted as hero on visit to ancestral Kenya. (Feb 2007)
- Father died in car crash before Barack got to know him. (Feb 2007)
- Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him “Barry”. (Oct 2006)
Past Campaigns
- 2008: supported by both Hollywood and Wall Street. (Sep 2011)
- OpEd: Big Business gave more to Obama than McCain. (Nov 2009)
- 2006: Started from scratch compared with Hillary & McCain. (Aug 2009)
- 1999 Congressional loss: "I got my rear end handed to me". (Aug 2008)
- Borrowed "Yes, we can" slogan from Cesar Chavez 1960s UFW. (Aug 2008)
- 1996: job of state senator is organizer, teacher, & advocate. (Apr 2008)
- 5th African-American ever elected to US Senate. (Apr 2008)
- June 2008: YouTube hit, "I Got a Crush on Obama". (Apr 2008)
- Campaigning on change from the bottom up that King stood for. (Jan 2008)
- 1990: Elected Law Review president with conservative support. (Aug 2007)
- Senate 2004 campaign theme: “Yes we can”. (Aug 2007)
- Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)
Personal History
- Met Michele when both worked as interns at law firm. (Nov 2018)
- Being president doesn't change you--it reveals who you are. (Sep 2012)
- OpEd: Pal Bill Ayres was a bomb-throwing terrorist. (Nov 2009)
- Developed style & attitude based on exposure to pop culture. (Jan 2009)
- 1970s: Teen basketball player & fan of Julius "Dr. J" Erving. (Jan 2009)
- Favorite movie: “The Godfather”, for respect & family. (Sep 2008)
- Visited Africa 3 times; 1986, then 1992 & 2006 with Michelle. (Aug 2008)
- In no other country is my story even possible. (Mar 2008)
- “Dreams From My Father” is an archetypal search. (Dec 2007)
- Obama REPRESENTS something; doesn’t have to DO anything. (Dec 2007)
- Won Grammy for recording “Dreams from My Father”. (Nov 2007)
- First major politician of the post-Baby Boom generation. (Oct 2007)
- Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 2007)
- High school jock--played football as defensive lineman. (Aug 2007)
- Goal as youth: Leave the world a better place. (Aug 2007)
- Planned on presidency since well before 2004 Convention. (Aug 2007)
- Dreams from My Father originally about Harvard Law Review. (Aug 2007)
- Favorite authors: E. L. Doctorow & Shakespeare. (Aug 2007)
- To understand Obama, understand Hawaii’s cultural mix. (Aug 2007)
- Met Michelle Robinson at law firm; married in 1990. (Aug 2007)
- A reformed smoker but occasionally burns one. (Mar 2007)
- Personal story is basis of political desire to unite. (Feb 2007)
- First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
Racism & Race
- OpEd: Jackson & Sharpton were articulate black predecessors. (Oct 2010)
- OpEd: Elections of underclass occurred in many countries. (Jun 2010)
- New Yorker cover: Islamic garb & fist-bumping Michelle. (Jan 2009)
- Am I somehow responsible for fate of entire black race? (Jan 2009)
- No contradiction as black voice & constituent representative. (Jan 2009)
- OpEd: March 2008 "race speech" reminder of ongoing struggle. (Jan 2009)
- March 2008 speech on race began with "We, the people". (Jan 2009)
- Speaks about racial anxiety from personal experience. (Aug 2008)
- 1995: Participated in Million Man March. (Aug 2008)
- Apocryphal story: race awareness began with skin-bleach ad. (Aug 2008)
- Taking a black candidate for granted is measure of progress. (Jun 2008)
- Epiphany at age 21 settled his racial identity. (Apr 2008)
- We’ve never really worked through complexities of race. (Mar 2008)
- Intertwined search for father and racial identity. (Dec 2007)
- Rooted in African-American community but also more than that. (Dec 2007)
- In college, rejected multiracialism for black identity. (Dec 2007)
- Fans see Obama as opportunity to vote for redemption. (Dec 2007)
- Veiled racism in dismissing Obama as “unqualified”. (Oct 2007)
- Catching a cab, no one questions he’s “authentically black”. (Jul 2007)
- America’s race and class problems are intertwined. (Aug 1996)
- There is some hope of eventual reconciliation between races. (Aug 1996)
- Racism wasn’t merely the cruelty involved, but arrogance too. (Aug 1996)
Religion
- Suspected by opponents of being Muslim, Communist, & Nazi. (Jan 2012)
- OpEd: installed secularism as America's state religion. (Oct 2011)
- OpEd: Wrote glowingly of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's first sermon. (Nov 2009)
- First American president not raised in a Christian home. (Aug 2008)
- Religious Left calls Obama "called" and "anointed". (Aug 2008)
- Grandmother raised as strict Methodist, but saw hypocrisy. (Aug 2008)
- Mother raised in Unitarian Church with secular values. (Aug 2008)
- Mother declared herself an atheist during high school. (Aug 2008)
- Obama's Trinity Church is based on black-liberation theology. (Aug 2008)
- Moved to & attended church in neighborhood he was organizing. (Aug 2008)
- OpEd: Obama was born a Muslim, and is now a Christian. (Jul 2008)
- GovWatch: never a Muslim, but school listed him as Muslim. (Jun 2008)
- In hard times, people take refuge in traditions, God & guns. (Apr 2008)
- I am a person of faith; and I reach out to people of faith. (Apr 2008)
- Religion is foundational; not clinging nor elitist. (Apr 2008)
- Rev. Jeremiah Wright helped bring me to Christianity. (Apr 2008)
- Exposure to Islam taught me that Muslims can partner with us. (Apr 2008)
- Kenyan grandfather converted to Christianity & then to Islam. (Apr 2008)
- Barack's UCC church motto: Unabashedly Black & Christian. (Apr 2008)
- Father was raised Muslim but became an atheist. (Apr 2008)
- Registered as Muslim at Catholic & secular Indonesian school. (Apr 2008)
- I am a proud Christian who believes deeply in Jesus Christ. (Jan 2008)
- Despite attack email, pledges Allegiance & uses Bible. (Jan 2008)
- Attends church with press, to dispel rumors that he’s Muslim. (Dec 2007)
- Grandfather converted from Christianity to Islam. (Dec 2007)
- Joined church that emphasized a “Black Value System”. (Dec 2007)
- Uses prayer to take stock of his moral compass. (Oct 2007)
- Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square. (Sep 2007)
- Active in the Trinity faith community. (Aug 2007)
- Carries Bible on campaign trail, & refers to it weekly. (Aug 2007)
- Embrace Christ as an ally. (Mar 2007)
- Source of his book title “Audacity of Hope” was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
- Raised secular, but with working knowledge of world religion. (Oct 2006)
- Baptized as an adult in the Trinity United Church of Christ. (Oct 2006)
- Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values. (Oct 2006)
- There’s a call to evangelize in politics. (Apr 2004)
- I’m a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
- Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)
Scandals
- Dec. 2016: Russia influenced election to benefit Trump. (Apr 2019)
- Accused by Trump & Fox News of wiretapping Trump Tower. (Jan 2018)
- Neighbor Bill Ayres admits 1970s violent radicalism. (Aug 2008)
- OpEd: Distances himself from 1970s radical Bill Ayres. (Aug 2008)
- Tony Rezko: large contributor & active member of campaigns. (Aug 2008)
- Tony Rezko helped Obama buy home in prestigious neighborhood. (Aug 2008)
- Segments of Wright sermons were "caricatures of the church". (Aug 2008)
- Photographed without hand over heart during national anthem. (Aug 2008)
- I revere the American flag; I don’t refuse to wear flag pins. (Apr 2008)
- FactCheck: Yes, refused to wear a flag pin, last year. (Apr 2008)
- Mar. 2008: Campaign uproar over Rev. Wright's anti-US sermon. (Apr 2008)
- FactCheck: Took Rezko’s donations, but never represented him. (Jan 2008)
- Gave away all Rezko “boneheaded” donations to charity. (Nov 2007)
Voting Record
- FactCheck: Ranked most liberal in Senate, based on 99 votes. (Feb 2008)
- Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
- Biggest mistake was intruding in Terri Schiavo case. (Apr 2007)
- Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
- Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
- Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
- Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
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Jack Ryan on Principles & Values
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Former Republican Senate challenger (2004):
Click here for 2 full quotes
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- Divorcing wife accused him of taking her to sex clubs. (Nov 2009)
- Ryan quits Senate race amid sex scandal allegations. (Jun 2004)
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Paul Simon on Principles & Values
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| Former Democratic Senator (Until 1997):
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Melissa Bean on Principles & Values
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Democratic Representative (IL-8):
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- Member of the "Blue Dog" Coalition of conservative Democrats. (Nov 2007)
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Roland Burris on Principles & Values
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Democratic Jr Senator (retiring 2010):
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- Voted YES on confirming of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court. (Aug 2009)
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Cardiss Collins on Principles & Values
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| Democrat (1973-1996) (District 7):
Click here for Cardiss Collins on other issues.
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Jerry Costello on Principles & Values
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Democratic Representative (IL-12):
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- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
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Kathy Cummings on Principles & Values
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| Green Challenger:
Click here for Kathy Cummings on other issues.
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Rahm Emanuel on Principles & Values
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Democratic Rep. (IL-5); Chief of Staff-Designee:
Click here for 10 full quotes
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- Politicians are usually gray; I am not. (Apr 2014)
- Washington is not broken; the GOP is broken. (Apr 2014)
- OpEd: Won 2002 House race with help of Chicago Daley Machine. (Nov 2009)
- The Plan: new social contract for a changed world. (Jan 2009)
- Political fundraiser & strategist, before running for House. (May 2007)
- Ran the Dems' DCCC House campaign after 2004 electoral loss. (May 2007)
- 2004: Planned four-year process to recapture House for Dems. (May 2007)
- Three pre-teen children: Zachariah, Ilana, and Leah. (May 2007)
- Supports Hyde Park Declaration of "Third Way" centrism. (Aug 2000)
- Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2007)
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Lane Evans on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 17):
Click here for 2 full quotes
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- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)
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Thomas Ewing on Principles & Values
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Republican (District 15):
Click here for 2 full quotes
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- Religious affiliation: Methodist. (Nov 2000)
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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Alexi Giannoulias on Principles & Values
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2010 Democratic Senate Challenger; currently State Treasurer:
Click here for 4 full quotes
OR click here for Alexi Giannoulias on other issues.
- Accuses Kirk of economic treason for fundraising in China. (Oct 2010)
- I told the truth about my mistakes; my opponent has not. (Oct 2010)
- Aware his Broadway Bank lent to criminals, but not extent. (Oct 2010)
- Fallout from the April failure of his family's Broadway Bank. (Oct 2010)
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Debbie Halvorson on Principles & Values
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| Democrat (until 2010) (District 11):
Click here for Debbie Halvorson on other issues.
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Phil Hare on Principles & Values
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Democrat:
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Phil Hare on other issues.
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Oct 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)
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Henry Hyde on Principles & Values
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Republican (District 6):
Click here for 2 full quotes
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- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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Timothy Johnson on Principles & Values
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Republican Representative (IL-15):
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- Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
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Mark Kirk on Principles & Values
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Republican Jr Senator; previously Representative (IL-10):
Click here for 7 full quotes
OR click here for Mark Kirk on other issues.
- Raised $6,000 from 12 U.S. citizen businessmen in China. (Oct 2010)
- I've owned up to my mistakes; my opponent has not. (Oct 2010)
- Takes responsibility for carelessness about military record. (Oct 2010)
- Forced to apologize for exaggerating his biography. (Oct 2010)
- Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
- Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Sep 2010)
- Chair of moderate GOP caucus, the Tuesday Group. (Dec 2015)
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Ray LaHood on Principles & Values
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Republican Representative (IL-18):
Click here for 6 full quotes
OR click here for Ray LaHood on other issues.
- Supports "Republicans for Biden" effort. (Aug 2020)
- Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
- Member of Arab-American Caucus. (Jan 2001)
- Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
- Recognize Christianity's importance to western civilization. (Dec 2007)
- Member of moderate GOP caucus, the Tuesday Group. (Dec 2015)
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Donald Manzullo on Principles & Values
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Republican Representative (IL-16):
Click here for 2 full quotes
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- Religious affiliation: Baptist. (Nov 2000)
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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David Phelps on Principles & Values
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Democrat (District 19):
Click here for 4 full quotes
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- Religious affiliation: Baptist. (Nov 2000)
- Member of the "Blue Dog" Coalition of conservative Democrats. (Nov 2000)
- Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2000)
- New Democrat: "Third Way" instead of left-right debate. (Nov 2000)
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John Porter on Principles & Values
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Republican (retired) (District 10):
Click here for the full quote
OR click here for John Porter on other issues.
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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Glenn Poshard on Principles & Values
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| Democrat (District 19):
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Steven Sauerberg on Principles & Values
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Republican Challenger:
Click here for 2 full quotes
OR click here for Steven Sauerberg on other issues.
- Put $1.3M of his own money into campaign. (Oct 2008)
- Faith is a powerful force in the lives of so many Americans. (Apr 2008)
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Larry Stafford on Principles & Values
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| Libertarian challenger:
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Joe Walsh on Principles & Values
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Republican (District 8):
Click here for 9 full quotes
OR click here for Joe Walsh on other issues.
- Donald Trump is a traitor; that is impeachable. (Oct 2019)
- 2010: opposed by namesake rock star Joe Walsh. (Oct 2019)
- 2013: supported birtherism; 2019: apologized for it. (Oct 2019)
- I helped create Trump; now I have to live with that. (Sep 2019)
- All states should hold primaries, not just re-nominate Trump. (Sep 2019)
- The "Age of Trump" woke him up to racism of past comments. (Aug 2019)
- Look into 25th amendment for Donald Trump. (Aug 2019)
- Opposing Trump because he's an "unfit divider in chief". (Aug 2019)
- Member of the Tea Party movement. (Aug 2012)
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Jerry Weller on Principles & Values
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Republican Representative (IL-11):
Click here for 3 full quotes
OR click here for Jerry Weller on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Christian. (Nov 2000)
- Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
- Contract with America: 10 bills in 1st 100 days of Congress. (Sep 1994)
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Sidney Yates on Principles & Values
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| Democrat (retired 1998) (District 9):
Click here for Sidney Yates on other issues.
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Judy Biggert on Principles & Values
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Republican Representative (IL-13):
Click here for 5 full quotes
OR click here for Judy Biggert on other issues.
- Religious affiliation: Episcopalian. (Nov 2000)
- Endorsed by Log Cabin Republicans; supports gay rights. (Nov 2000)
- Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
- Member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. (Jul 2001)
- Member of moderate GOP caucus, the Tuesday Group. (Dec 2015)
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Rod Blagojevich on Principles & Values
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Democratic IL Governor; previously Representative (IL-5):
Click here for 2 full quotes
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- Arrested in 2008 on federal corruption charges. (May 2010)
- Religious affiliation: Eastern Orthodox. (Nov 2000)
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Jeanne Ives on Principles & Values
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| Republican (District 6):
Click here for Jeanne Ives on other issues.
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Mark Kirk on Principles & Values
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Republican Jr Senator; previously Representative (IL-10):
Click here for 7 full quotes
OR click here for Mark Kirk on other issues.
- Raised $6,000 from 12 U.S. citizen businessmen in China. (Oct 2010)
- I've owned up to my mistakes; my opponent has not. (Oct 2010)
- Takes responsibility for carelessness about military record. (Oct 2010)
- Forced to apologize for exaggerating his biography. (Oct 2010)
- Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
- Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Sep 2010)
- Chair of moderate GOP caucus, the Tuesday Group. (Dec 2015)
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Mary Miller on Principles & Values
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| Republican (District 21):
Click here for 2 full quotes
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Marie Newman on Principles & Values
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| Democrat (District 3):
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Jim Oberweis on Principles & Values
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Republican (District 14):
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- Milk Dud: poured dairy fortune into 5 failed campaigns. (Mar 2014)
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