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.
Charlie Kim: Congress should continue to support Israel who was the victim of a terrible terrorist attack. We must continue to support our allies around the globe, especially in the Middle East.
Charlie Kim: I support Ukraine but we must continue to have accountability as to where our money and weapons are going. We cannot allow our weapons and money to end up in the hands of our enemies.
Charlie Kim: Illegal immigration is bankrupting our states and our cities. We must enforce our laws.
Charlie Kim: We must enforce the laws that we already have. Congress must fund further border security measures and allow border states to protect themselves and this country.
Charlie Kim: As a LEGAL immigrant I understand the process very well. We must enforce the laws on our books and force everyone to follow the law. We cannot allow individuals to illegally enter this country. Right now, we have a Democratic party that is utilizing immigration for political reasons. Those seeking to immigrate to this country are being taken advantage of by cartels and by politicians.
Charlie Kim: We must cut wasteful spending. We cannot continue to spend at current levels, it is bankrupting this country. We must re-evaluate our “most favored nation” status which benefits other countries and not our own. We must put America First. We should cut programs that provide no return on investment. We have corrupt politicians who bankroll projects that they know are useless and provide for no return. We must also evaluate every government entity to determine where we are wasting money. We must audit our government and also prevent omnibus spending bills which further contribute to our debt.
Charlie Kim: Cut wasteful government spending. We are spending too much money! We are struggling to pay our own bills and interest payments. We must invest in projects that provide an economic return for the people of this country. We must reform our tax code to make sure it is fair and provides for our interests. Property taxes, federal taxes, state taxes are overburdening our population and must be simplified to spur economic growth.
Charlie Kim: Immigration is bankrupting our state and our cities. We must tackle this problem head-on by reinforcing the border and stopping illegal immigration.
Charlie Kim: My vision for us includes listening to the people and doing my responsibilities for the people, protecting traditional rights of liberty and opportunity for the American Dream, defend our U.S. Constitutional rights (responsible regulations for better reform of violence, discrimination, and criminal justice), less government interference for prosperity of businesses, governmental support of technology and export trade for global competitiveness, non-prejudice and non-gender biasness for worker’s fair and equal pay, reasonable taxes to reduce inflation costs, responsible governmental spending to stop wasting money of taxpayers, best health care for everybody, reproductive rights for life and prenatal care, strengthen schools and empower students, support community protectors and life-savers (First Responders), strong military defense and military veteran support, improve U.S. Citizenship and immigration rights, social responsibility of safer communities and healthier environments, and equal opportunity for every individual for which she or he stands as an American, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
