Voters in the 10th Congressional District are getting an earful as candidates go head-to-head on the issues. The Democratic and Republican candidates faced off recently in separate debates hosted by the League of Women Voters.
"Many of you know me because I had the courage to stand up and challenge the incumbent here when folks didn't think it was possible," said Dan Seals, (D) candidate for 10th Congressional District.
This is the third time Democrat Dan Seals has run for Congress in the north suburban 10th District. He unsuccessfully challenged Republican Mark Kirk in 2006 and 2008. The 38-year-old former teacher with an MBA from the University of Chicago says he wants to improve public education and help create jobs.
"Restoring the economy, paying attention to the jobs, dealing with big economic issues of the day, are really-- should be the first concern," said Julie Hamos, (D) candidate for 10th Congressional District.
State Representative Hamos and newcomer Elliot Richardson also are hoping for a Democratic win. Hamos has been a state lawmaker out of Evanston for the past 11 years.
Richardson is a civil rights attorney and a small business owner.
"I know what it's like to have to hit your line of credit and decide whether to make payroll or what you're gonna do with health insurance. There is a small business committee in Congress. When I'm elected, I intend on sitting on that," said Richardson.
On the Republican side, none of the candidates support the current plan for health care reform, but all have different ideas.
Elizabeth Coulson has been a state representative for the past 13 years. She calls herself a "health care policy expert."
"We can make affordable, quality health care available to many more Americans with very cost-effective and very effective changes in what we do, but it can't be an overhaul of the whole system, all at once," Coulson said.
Other Republican candidates include electrical engineer Paul Hamann.
"As far as solutions, I believe we should have more transparency in the costs for each of the procedures," said Hamann, (R) candidate for 10th Congressional District.
And a pediatrician, Arie Friedman.
"When you talk about lowering the prices, physicians, hospitals, other medical care providers start being required to provide care at below their costs. There's a reason why 45 percent of physicians in the last Investors Business Daily poll said they're planning to leave medicine or retire if this health care bill goes through," said Friedman, (R) candidate for 10th Congressional District.
And an attorney, Robert Dold.
"What do you hear about tort reform? Nowhere is it mentioned. You want to talk about how you can reduce costs in the healthcare system. Let's talk about some meaningful tort reform," said Dold, (R) candidate for 10th Congressional District.
Republican Dick Green was unavailable to participate in the debate.
