Attorney General Candidate

Questions & Answers

What is the importance of the Illinois Attorney General to your constituents in Champaign County?

The Attorney General is the chief legal officer in the State of Illinois. I am running for the position to clean up the State of Illinois. As a former federal prosecutor, I intend to transform the office into one that tackles Illinois' sordid history of public corruption, brings an end to the gun violence and opioid epidemics plaguing our State, protects consumers, and fights against policies that threaten our civil rights. For too long, Illinois government has been on the side of politicians. As Attorney General, I will make sure our State works for people.

Why are you qualified to be Illinois Attorney General?

Because of my depth and breadth of experience, I can hit the ground running on Day 1. Between 2003 and 2011, I was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago. During that time, I prosecuted corrupt public officials, violent gun offenders, , sexual predators and corporate criminals. I am an experienced trial lawyer and a member of the Federal Trial Bar in the Northern District of Illinois. Further, I am an adjunct professor of law at Northwestern University's law school, where I teach trial advocacy. In addition to my litigation experience, I have been a state representative since 2013. In that role, I have taken on the state's most powerful interests, such as big insurance companies, and am the only Democrat in the last thirty years with the courage to not vote for Mike Madigan for House Speaker. I understand how to advocate for change in the General Assembly. I believe my legal and legislative experience uniquely qualify me for the position.

What is a key policy difference between you and your Primary Opponent[s]?

As a former prosecutor who took down corrupt public officials, I am the only candidate in the race with experience investigating and prosecuting public corruption. Moreover, while I am a proud Democrat, I recognize that the public has grown tired of Chicago machine politics. I am not scared to call out my party when its leaders favor policies that are detrimental to the party or the State as a whole. Illinois needs an Attorney General who will work for the public. I have a proven history of doing that.

Is there anything else you would like to say to an undecided voter in Champaign County?

This election gives voters the opportunity to elect an Attorney General committed to transforming Illinois into a state that works for them, not politicians. As a federal prosecutor and legislator, I have worked to improve the lives of real people. I will do the same as Attorney General. I hope voters in Champaign County will help me clean up Illinois once and for all.

Northside Democracy For America, a group from Chicago, hosted a Forum featuring all Democrat Candidates Running for Illinois Attorney General.

Watch the full video: here.