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.
Joshua Loyd: Israel is a U.S. ally, whereas Palestine is not. The question is not whether we support conflict, but the adherence to diplomatic measures. The U.S. must ensure the ideas and principles of the “just war theory” are applied, even to our allies.
Joshua Loyd: For nearly half a century, the U.S. stood amid a Cold War with the USSR. The current Russian president is still stuck in a Cold War mentality and has taken every action to hinder U.S. capabilities and diplomatic efforts. Trillions were spent on a war that never happened. Ukraine, however, represents Russia’s first action to a future war. Ukraine is only the first stop, and the more we support Ukraine, the longer we deter a future war between NATO (the Balkan states would be next) and Russia.
Joshua Loyd: China
Joshua Loyd: 100% deportation of illegal border crossers. Immigration to the U.S. is a privilege, not a right. Texas is burdened, and the governor is only showing cities, (ones that largely criticized Texas for complaining about the border in the first place) that there is an issue that needs to be addressed. There is a larger discussion at large here that must be addressed.
Joshua Loyd: Log, track, and analyze all immigrants coming into the U.S. This includes biometrics, location, social media, purchase history, and acquaintances. This will allow U.S. officials to make better-informed decisions when it comes to immigration policy, who comes to the U.S., and why they come to the U.S.
Joshua Loyd:
- Better contracting practices.
- Eliminate “Use it or lose it” spending in each agency.
- Have a comptroller.
Joshua Loyd: Stop printing money.
Adjust banking limits.
Adjust interest rates.
Joshua Loyd: The Economy, Job Security, and Drugs.
Because of the fiscal irresponsibility of current Illinois legislatures (pre-2024), union and non-union jobs are being threatened and at risk of outsourcing, offshoring, and the closure of facilities such as Akorn Pharmaceuticals in Decatur, Illinois. This is a result of Democrat policies over taxing and under-delivering for the communities. We need a lower flat tax, better shipment and manufacturing resources, and more inter/intrastate transportation options. We also need to stop spending our resources on illegal immigrants who are drying up our watering hole.
Joshua Loyd: I understand the pain. The pain of business ownership, the pain of trying to make ends meet, the pain and anger of watching establishment politicians ruin our community, the pain of seeing our infrastructure fail, the pain of wondering how to pay for college, a home, a family, a vehicle, the necessities required in a first world nation.
