Republished with permission of the candidates:
R. Cary Capparelli
Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?
As an international business person for over thirty years and a university professor of geography, I have a unique understanding of foreign policy. In fact, I’m probably the only candidate that has dealt with the former Soviet Union. Washington has plenty of lawyers but there’s a need for those who know cultures, global economics, geography, etc. On a political level, I served on the Illinois Banking & Real Estate Board from 1997-99 and on the Board of Directors of the Illinois International Port from 2000-2009 where I chaired four (4) committees including Homeland Security. And, I have the time and energy to do this job well.
What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?
First, Illinois needs to regain its prominence it once held as an industrial complex. This will require federal assistance in ways including infrastructure development.
Foreign policy affects not only the people of Illinois but all Americans. Unfortunately, many in the Senate now and the candidates in the primary don’t understand this importance.
The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:
Per se, less government regulation to decrease debt including:
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- Affordable and available healthcare
- Affordable and accessible energy in all daily use forms
- Reduce and simplify income tax
What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?
This is not an easy question to answer because, in my opinion, both nations have corrupt leaders. However, the Russian Federation is an obvious adversary and the Ukraine can be considered an ally. A military role by the U.S. is not an option, but sanctions against Russia and other diplomatic means would be the best alternatives.
Thankfully, at this time, the Ukraine is not a member of NATO as that would cause an unnecessary world war. The United States should continue to play its present role in NATO by protecting its European members and protecting the American homeland. For the U.S., our priority in NATO is to protect all American interests.
Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?
The War Powers Resolution may be considered somewhat dated. At the same time, to control ‘leaks’, the Executive branch of government may need to act swiftly to avoid being compromised. And, ultimately Congress needs to be notified and ratify military actions. The present forty-eight (48) hour time span for Congress to approve military movements may be appropriate or extended up to one (1) week for limited deployments of 60-90 days. That time span may be extended as well to not let an enemy ‘know’ what we can do and not do.
Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?
No doubt, health care premiums have sky rocketed in recent years under Democrat control of the Executive and Legislative branches of government. One would think government intervention of price controls would be the fast answer. However, that idea seems to have already failed. One could ask if less federal regulations would be advantageous. In reality, there’s no immediate answer and this is where we must research to find a real solution. I’d be committed to finding that solution.
How would you serve as check on the power of the president and federal agencies?
There is already a check and balance system at work in the U.S. It’s called three (3) equal branches of government. One problem I detect is under Democrat control, I noticed weak decisions in which sometimes citizens become accustomed and accepted to. Now, under President Trump, I find strong decisions are made which irritates those on the left. Unless those decisions are out of control, which they are not, there is no need to interfere. If such conditions merit a check on power, then the legislative and judicial branches can act accordingly.
Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?
Per se, immigration procedures need to be tightened. The U.S. should only accept immigration seekers from those nations that have reasonable relations with the U.S. and the actual seekers must 1) bring something that is valuable and needed to our nations, i.e., engineers, technicians, etc., and 2) agree to adhere to Western society and not upset our cultural balance. Asylum seekers should be judged on an individual basis.
Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?
Yes, I fully support President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.
Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?
Political differences are accepted. Law enforcement and other agencies need to learn what is funding political violence. Political violence tends to come from the left. Violators of law need to be prosecuted and not allowed back into society if they continue to pose a threat to law abiding citizens. Those in custody should be able to learn the options available to be a valuable part of civilization.
Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?
No doubt, socialism in this country is threatening American democracy. And, socialism is directly related to communism as they share basic concepts. Communism is banned in America and Americans need to fight those trying to overthrow our democratic (not Democrat) system. First, Americans can keep America strong at the ballot box and second, employ other means if necessary.
What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?
Per se, AI scares me because it’s potentially dangerous at creating false narratives in many ways. Although I advocate less government regulations, at this time the government needs to place limitations on private AI activity.
Don Tracy
Why are you qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate?
I am qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate because I bring real-world experience, statewide perspective, and a record of leadership rooted in common sense. I’ve spent my career working with small businesses, farmers, and working families. I have made payroll and built opportunities for other people. I started working in my family’s business at age 10, later practiced law for decades, and served in senior leadership roles in civic, professional, and regulatory organizations across Illinois.
I’m not a career politician. I’ve lived the American Dream and understand what rising costs, government overreach, and public safety failures mean for everyday Illinoisans. Born in Eastern Illinois, raised in Western Illinois, and having raised my family in Central Illinois, I understand our state beyond Chicago. And I’m committed to representing all 102 counties with steady leadership and common sense solutions.
What is the top issue facing the people of Illinois that Congress needs to address?
The top issue facing Illinois families that Congress must address is the Biden high cost of living that is putting the American Dream out of reach for everyday people. Illinoisans are being squeezed by higher energy and grocery prices, housing costs, and unaffordable health insurance. This is a kitchen-table problem forcing families to choose between paying utility bills, buying groceries, or saving for their future. Congress needs to focus on common sense solutions that lower costs by reducing waste and fraud in government spending, pursuing a responsible energy policy, lowering health care costs, and supporting small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers. Illinois working families deserve strong leadership that prioritizes affordability over politics and puts people before special interests.
The cost of living is a top concern for voters. Briefly name three things you would do to make life more affordable for people:
The cost of living is squeezing working families across Illinois, and Washington has made it worse. First, I will work to lower energy and utility costs by pursuing a reasonable, all-of-the-above energy policy that keeps reliable power online, protects energy independence, and brings down gas and electricity bills. Second, I’ll work to lower health care costs by increasing price transparency, boosting competition, enhancing consumer choice and eliminating taxpayer-funded waste and fraud that drive up costs for working families. Third, I will work to reduce inflation and taxes by cutting waste, fraud, and inefficiency in federal spending, cutting regulations that unjustifiably raise prices, and supporting small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers.
I’ve run a business, made payroll, and raised a family. I understand what everyday Illinoisans are facing, and in the U.S. Senate, lowering the cost of living will be my top priority.
What role do you believe the U.S. should play to help end the war in Ukraine? More broadly, what role should the U.S. play in NATO?
The United States has a clear interest in ending the war in Ukraine in a way that protects American security, deters future aggression, and avoids an endless, open-ended conflict. That means supporting Ukraine’s right to defend itself while insisting on accountability, clear objectives, and a realistic diplomatic path toward
ending the fighting. Congress has a responsibility to ensure U.S. assistance is targeted, transparent, and aligned with our national interests, not treated as a blank check.
More broadly, NATO remains vital to American security, but it must be a true alliance, not a one-way commitment. Our allies should meet their defense obligations and take greater responsibility for Europe’s security. Strong alliances, clear deterrence, and common-sense diplomacy, not endless escalation, are how we protect American families, strengthen global stability, and keep the focus on the challenges facing everyday Illinoisans here at home.
Multiple presidents, including President Donald Trump, have taken military action without approval from Congress. Should Congress make any changes to the War Powers Resolution? If so, what?
Congress has a constitutional role in matters of war, but it also must recognize the realities of modern threats and the need for decisive leadership. Presidents from both parties, including President Trump, have acted quickly to protect American lives, deter adversaries, and defend our national interests when time-sensitive action was required.
I support clarifying and strengthening the War Powers Resolution to ensure Congress is meaningfully consulted and votes in a timely manner, while preserving the president’s ability to respond swiftly to imminent threats and situations. I oppose using war powers debates for political theater or partisan point-scoring. Illinois families expect strength, clarity, and common sense, not gridlock, when it comes to America’s security and the lives of our service members.
Rising costs of health care premiums have been a key issue in recent government funding negotiations. What do you believe is the solution to bring down the cost of health care?
Health care is part of the cost-of-living crisis squeezing Illinois families, small businesses, and seniors. The solution is common-sense competition and price transparency that puts patients in charge, not bureaucrats or special-interest middlemen. First, require real price transparency so families can actually shop and providers must compete. Second, target no value middlemen who inflate costs behind closed doors, especially on prescription drugs, and pass savings directly to patients at the pharmacy counter. Third, expand choice and competition across state lines and for small businesses, while cutting red tape that drives up premiums. Career politicians have debated over this for years. Meanwhile, costs climbed. I’m running to deliver practical reforms that lower premiums, reduce drug prices, and make health care affordable for working families and small businesses.
How would you serve as a check on the power of the president and federal agencies?
The Constitution is clear: Congress is not a bystander to presidential or bureaucratic power. It is a co-equal branch with real responsibilities. As a U.S. Senator, I would use Congress’s Article I authority to conduct rigorous oversight, demand transparency from federal agencies, and ensure that regulations reflect the law as written, not the ideological preferences of unelected bureaucrats. That includes scrutinizing executive actions, reining in waste and abuse, and insisting that agencies stay within their statutory limits.
I also believe accountability matters at the confirmation stage. Nominees must respect congressional authority, federalism, and the separation of powers. Strong oversight isn’t about leverage and partisan games. It’s about protecting working families from unchecked government actions that drive up costs, limit opportunity, and put Washington ahead of everyday Illinoisans.
Outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin has long championed a pathway to citizenship for people brought to the U.S. as children. What immigration-related measures would you seek to advance?
Our immigration system should be firm, fair, and grounded in common sense, with strong anti-fraud guardrails. That starts with securing the border and enforcing the law, because open borders drive crime, strain public services, and raise costs for working families. We cannot reward illegal immigration with blanket amnesty.
I support a narrow, legislated solution that provides legal certainty (but not citizenship) for certain long term residents who have grown up here, obeyed the law, worked, paid taxes, and served their communities, without creating new incentives for illegal immigration.
Immigration policy must put American workers, public safety, and the rule of law first. Career politicians have spent years playing politics while everyday Illinoisans pay the price. I will push for solutions that are serious, and focused on an orderly, fair and more timely system.
Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics? If not, what would you do as a senator and what are you doing as a candidate to address the issue?
Immigration policy is a serious issue that affects public safety, the cost-of-living, and the rule of law. Illinois citizen families are paying the price for the Biden years of open borders, from overwhelmed communities to taxpayer-funded benefits that strain already tight household budgets.
As Senator, I will focus on common-sense solutions: securing the border, enforcing existing laws, ending taxpayer-funded benefits for non-citizens, and restoring cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities.
As a candidate, I’ve been clear that open-border policies and political gamesmanship have failed everyday Illinoisans. We need leadership that prioritizes public safety, respects the law, and puts the American Dream back within reach for families across all 102 counties of Illinois.
Political violence has escalated in America. As a candidate for office, how are you helping to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and disagreement?
Political violence is a symptom of leaders choosing outrage over responsible governing. As a candidate, I believe fostering peaceful dialogue starts with telling the truth plainly, rejecting extremism, and focusing on real solutions that improve people’s lives.
Throughout my career, as an attorney, civic leader, and business advocate, I’ve worked with diverse teams of people to solve problems, not inflame them. In this campaign, I’m focused on lowering the cost-of-living, defending the American Dream and representing all of Illinois, not just one region or political base. When leaders prioritize common sense over ideology and results over rhetoric, it lowers the temperature. That’s the kind of leadership I will bring to the U.S. Senate.
Polls show threats to democracy are one the top concerns for voters. What are some ways you would seek to strengthen democracy?
Our nation is strongest when everyday citizens have a real voice, when the rule of law is enforced fairly, and when government works for people rather than special interests.
I would strengthen the republic by restoring trust through accountability: securing the border, enforcing the law, protecting free speech, and ensuring elections are transparent and fair. I would also fight to make government responsive by lowering the cost-of-living, reducing waste and fraud, and stopping career politicians from using shutdowns or crises as leverage against working families.
Most importantly, democracy only works when all communities are represented. I will represent all of Illinois, not just Chicago, and make sure the voices of working families, farmers, and small businesses are heard in Washington.
What are your views on artificial intelligence? Do you think the government has a role in regulating AI? If so, how?
Artificial intelligence has potential to boost productivity, strengthen national security, and lower costs for working families, but only if it’s guided by common sense. I support innovation led by the private sector, not top-down mandates that stifle competition or hand an advantage to China. Government does have a role, but it should be narrow and targeted: protecting Americans’ privacy, preventing AI from being used for fraud, surveillance abuses, or discrimination, and ensuring transparency when AI is used by the federal government. We should also focus on supply-chain security, workforce training, and keeping critical AI development here in the United States. What we don’t need are sweeping regulations written by career politicians that pick winners and losers or drive up costs. I will champion a balanced approach that protects people, promotes innovation, and serves everyday Illinoisans, not special interests or extreme agendas.
