By Mark Weyermuller –
The future of the House of Representatives could be partially decided based on Thursday night's Fox 32 debate between IL's 6th Congressional District. Republican incumbent Peter Roskam faced off against Democrat challenger Sean Casten. The race is so close that as of this week, national political commentator Larry Sabato moved the 6th CD race to the "Toss Up" column from "Leans Republican."
Thursday night's debate can be seen on Fox 32's Facebook Page. The live debate took place at the Union League Club with about 200 people in attendance. Fox 32's Mike Flannery was the the moderator, and was assisted by morning anchor Scott Schneider. The event was sponsored by the Lincoln Forum headed by former Illinois GOP chairman Pat Brady.
In the one hour long debate, the two candidates discussed President Trump, taxes, immigration, gun control and abortion, among other topics. Most notably, Roskam expressed support for the president, indicating Trump “was good on the economy” but “jumbling” on other issues. Casten vehemently disagreed, “Trump Is the worse president of our generation.” Casten also did not deny he would raise taxes while Roskam led the effort to cut federal taxes.
Roskam said several times, “I’m pro life.” Casten said abortion was the choice of the mother. Casten also said, “I view abortion as a medical procedure like a gall bladder surgery.” "Abortion is not gall bladder surgery," Roskam replied.
Outside before debate, two groups of protesters gathered across the street on Jackson Boulevard, one for Roskam, the other against. About 35 Roskam supporters held “Roskam for Congress" signs while about 50 anti-Roskam protesters held a variety of signs. Planned Parenthood had people out in the protest, as did Indivisible Chicago. Despite a “Roskam Protest ” Facebook event page showing over 778 anti-Roskam people “going or interested," only about 50 showed up. Some protesters complained the Union League venue was too far from the 6th district to get people downtown.
Mark Weyermuller owns a small business, is a real estate professional and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist and regular contributor to Illinois Review. Mark can be heard weekly on the radio in a "man in the street segment" at 5:31pm as a regular guest on the Stephanie Trussell Show heard Saturday afternoons 3-6pm on 50,000 watt WLS 890-AM.
