I've noticed a lot of discussion about the Roskam/Duckworth race on Illinois Review. With only 73 days left until the election, I thought it might be interesting for those at the crossroads of the conservative community to understand Duckworth's positions on some important issues.
Of course to understand Duckworth's position would require her to actually take one. So far all she's done is express "concern" about issues. Thanks Tammy. How about some solutions, or policy proposals, or....dare I say it...leadership? Saying one is "concerned" about an issue without taking a position on that issue shows that one doesn't really understand the issues.
Let me give some examples:
HUMAN CLONING: Consider a recent speech where Duckworth was asked about human cloning. Duckworth said:
"I'm always open to new ideas and concerning the facts. And I'm not saying that I would support it or oppose it, but I would certainly take a look at it." (Duckworth speech at University of Illinois-Chicago, 6/13/2006)
Contrary to Tammy's nonsensical answer, cloning is a reasonably cut and dry issue. The U.S. House passed a ban on human cloning in 2003 (RCV#39, 2003), and is expected to bring the issue to the floor again for consideration this fall.
TAX RELIEF: On tax relief, Tammy told one paper she "would seriously consider repealing part" of the Bush tax cuts (Chicago Tribune, 4/18/06). But she told another:
"I support tax cuts that are common sense ones. There are certain cuts that are good for lifting the economy and act as a prime for the engine. ... We don't need tax cuts for the more fortunate who don't need them and really weren't happy with them." (Daily Herald, 12/17/05)
Strangely, she later told that paper she "doesn't favor rolling back the income tax rate cuts," but that she'd "leave (them) where they are at present." (Daily Herald, 3/16/06)
Note to Tammy: "Leaving them where they are at present" requires making the tax cuts permanent or this becomes a tax hike!
HEALTHCARE: This is an issue big on policy prescriptions, but small on Tammy's opinions. She says:
She's for some sort of "basic safety net" universal health coverage. (Chicago Sun-Times, 12/18/05
Of course, Tammy doesn't get into specifics.
SAME SEX MARRIAGE: Duckworth, who would be expected to lead in Congress, said:
"There isn't a consensus on this issue. ... [If] one of those members of that relationship is injured or in the hospital, I think they should be accorded legal rights under civil unions so that their partner can support them. ... Right now, I don't think there's consensus on gay marriage." (Daily Herald, 12/17/05)
Of course, there is rarely consensus on any issue considered by Congress. That's why we elect members of Congress. So what's your position here, Tammy?
PATRIOT ACT: Even on this actual piece of legislation considered by Congress — Duckworth bobs and weaves:
"I have a lot of concerns about the Patriot Act. My concerns are about the aspects that infringe on privacy rights. I am definitely strong on national defense. But it's a real balancing act in terms of how far we go versus preserving the rights of all Americans." (Daily Herald, 12/17/05)
So folks, what do you think? Is Tammy ready to be the next Congressman from the 6th District? Hey Fran and Dennis, perhaps that should be the next poll question!
