In January 2024, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ editors emailed a questionnaire to candidates in contested Illinois March 19 primary races for Congress, requesting biographical information as well as their views on issues ranging from the Israel-Hamas conflict and the migrant crisis to the country’s economy. Answers have been lightly edited for typos, minor grammar and consistency in styling, but not for content or length. Age was calculated as of Feb. 6, 2024.
Raymond A. Lopez: The United States must stand firm with its ally, Israel. We must remain committed to eradicating terrorists that threaten our values. While many politicians have called for ceasefires and an end to financial support, they always do so while excluding the release of the civilian hostages taken on that day. The attempts to change the narrative and avoid responsibility for the aggressor, Hamas terrorists, must be countered loudly and publicly at every opportunity.
Raymond A. Lopez: There is a proxy war between the United States and Russia being fought by Ukraine following the Russian invasion. If we choose to show we have no national fortitude or resolve to fight, Russia will not only defeat our ally in Ukraine but sense an opportunity to attack our democratic allies or our interests directly.
Raymond A. Lopez: The biggest threat to democracy is not coming from outside the country, but from within. It is the hyper-partisan politics that pushes false narratives or political performances designed with the sole purpose of disengaging the electorate from the conversation. Both parties are culpable in this matter at all levels of government. Our civic discourse has eroded to where the people no longer think critically, focusing on click bait rather than process information for themselves.
Raymond A. Lopez: If Congress is willing to accept Secretary Mayorkas’ decision not to have asylum merit hearings for several years, Congress must fund the support of the individuals and not put their failure on the backs of regional taxpayers.
Raymond A. Lopez: The current border crisis has elevated a number of issues Congress needs to focus on, starting with 1) properly securing the border; 2) granting amnesty and citizenship for all DACA-registered and -qualifying individuals; 3) creating a pathway for all individuals with clean criminal backgrounds who have been in the United States for at least ten years; and, 4) have DHS process all asylum claims within six months and deport any who do not qualify.
Raymond A. Lopez: Congress must end its addiction to continuing resolutions and do its fiduciary responsibility in voting on separate appropriation bills. Additionally, if Congress is limiting itself to $5 trillion in revenue, its spending should be the same.
Raymond A. Lopez: I believe three steps Congress can do immediately to improve the national economic outlook include raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, increase tax-deductions for the middle class, and restore fiscal balance to decision-making.
Raymond A. Lopez: Federal investment within the district is stagnant and inconsistent with a district that is the hub to several railroads and major national airport. The lack of federal dollars returning to district represent lost opportunities to increase jobs, invest in local infrastructure, and create sustainable opportunities.
Raymond A. Lopez: Illinois’ 4th Congressional District needs a fighter that is willing to do more than talk. I have a proven track record of tackling major issues, like disinvestment or gang violence, focusing on the truth. As a life-long resident of the Southwest Side, I share the same ideals and values as a majority of the residents. Our expectation for what is possible align and I look forward to working with every segment of the district to find commonality to issues ignored by an absent incumbent.
