Attorney General Candidate

Questions & Answers

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

The Attorney General is a very important position that affects everyone throughout the state. The Attorney General has the power to go into court and advocate for the people to enforce the law or protect the rights of all Illinoisans. Whether it's the environment, racial justice, criminal justice reform, the rights of immigrants, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, consumer protection or any other issues that we care about, the Attorney General has a very important role in protecting all of our rights.

Why are you qualified to be Illinois Attorney General?

I have been an attorney for 17 years and I have been a public defender for approximately 10 years. In law school I worked for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Legal Assistance Foundation. While in private practice I handled pro bono cases including representing NATO summit protesters as well as Occupy Chicago protesters. In my career I have tried 100's of cases over 30 of which were jury trials. I have handled federal and state as well as civil and criminal cases. I taught trial advocacy at the DePaul College of Law and currently teach criminal law and criminal procedure at North Park University. I have more courtroom experience than any other candidate in the race and have supervised attorneys in my role as a public defender as well as in private practice. I am a member of the various neighborhood organizations as well as 33rd Ward Democrats that I created in 2016.

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

I have a bold progressive agenda with three specific priorities. First, I will stand up to the big powers--taking on the big corporations, big banks and Donald Trump’s policies that hurt and disrupt Illinois. As Attorney General, I will be vocal and fight every illegal action Trump takes. Second, I will achieve real criminal justice reform. There are four pieces to this: 1) ending mass incarceration, 2) ending the racist drug war, 3) eliminating cash bail, and 4) achieving real police reform. Third, I will fight corruption in our state and local government.

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

I am the only candidate who has openly supported progressive candidates for office including Bernie Sanders. I offer a unique perspective as I have spent my entire career representing individuals who needed an advocate by their side. I am the first in this race to call for legalization of marijuana; the only candidate to say I will go after gun manufacturers to stop the spread of gun violence in our communities; and the only candidate to insist that communities have enforcement power and a voice in any consent decree dealing with police reform. I am the only candidate who was not appointed by Mayor Emanuel, supported or signed an unconstitutional pension bill or worked for big corporations. I am the only candidate to state unequivocally that I will not take money from big corporations or utilities.

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.