Bobby L. Rush, Candidate for First Congressional District of Illinois

Candidate Full Name: Bobby L. Rush

Office: First Congressional District of Illinois

Campaign Name: Citizens For Rush

Web site: www.BobbyLRush.com

Email Address: info@bobbylrush.com

Campaign address: 11750 South Western Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60643

Party: Democrat

Phone: 773-233-6019

Survey Questions (Character limit of 2,000 per response)

1. Please tell us about yourself, your background and why you believe you are qualified to hold this office.

As a near life-long resident of Chicago, I've been blessed to live a life that is uniquely American. My political background is well known. As a legislator, I've passed breakthrough legislation- locally and nationally-that has improved our environment, strengthened consumer safety, especially for children, provided affordable and accessible healthcare, created jobs and sustained businesses. I pride myself on my ability to work effectively with the resources at hand and I know how to work collaboratively-across race, class, economic and political lines- to forge effective coalitions that make a difference.

As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has expansive jurisdiction over a wide array of issues, I worked with committee and Democratic leadership to pass the Affordable Care Act, which, while costing Democrats control of the House in 2010, has resulted in nearly 20 million more Americans having healthcare today. Since 1999, as a result of the gun violence death of my son Huey, I have been working to restore trauma level care to the greater Southside of Chicago and have worked with local community activists and healthcare leaders on possible solutions, supporting the initial decision last year of the University of Chicago Medical Center to provide adult trauma services at Holy Cross Hospital (which is also located in my district) before ultimately deciding to provide that service at their Hyde Park campus. As the Ranking Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, I am working with our nation's energy leaders to create a pipeline of next generation energy entrepreneurs and employees. Finally, I've worked with local, state and Federal officials to improve the quality of our public infrastructure, ranging from the construction of the I-294/I-57 Interchange and the Metra Englewood Flyover, the reconstruction of the Chicago Transit Authority's South Red Line, and the development of flood control plans for the south and southwest suburbs.

I seek to be re-elected to Congress to continue to champion causes of great importance to my district and believe that I am well qualified to continue to serve the residents of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois and I welcome their continued support.

2. With this being a presidential election year, who would you like to be elected President and why?

I support former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for President. I believe she has the experience, vision and temperament necessary to lead this nation forward.

3. The fight against ISIS is on everyone's mind, especially after the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino. What would your plan be in the fight against ISIS and for the national security of the U.S?

First, Congress should close the terrorist gun loophole that allows FBI terror suspects to buy assault weapons. Second, Congress should cut ISIS money through the US and International financial system. Third, Congress should improve intelligence sharing with our allies in the fight against ISIS. Last, prevent homegrown terrorists by creating an office within the Department of Homeland Security tasked with countering extremism.

4. Do you support a federal assault weapons ban? Why or why not? What other federal gun control measures would you support?

I support a ban on federal assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. I also, support legislation closing all gun loopholes (gun show and internet sales) and requiring a universal federal background on all gun owners.

5. What are your thoughts on what has been done so far with immigration reform?

It is unconscionable that the United States Congress has failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform, which I support. Immigration reform legislation should include 1) strong border security measures, 2) proper and equitable enforcement, 3) stringent penalties for employers who contribute to the problem by hiring undocumented workers, 4) an improved temporary guest-worker program with safeguards against employer abuse and, 5) a fair pathway to legalization for current immigrants who reside in our nation.