LaHood, Rodriguez face off in bid for 18th Congressional seat

By Dave Fidlin For Chronicle Media
The 18th Congressional District voting map. (Image courtesy of govtrack.org)

The 18th Congressional District voting map. (Image courtesy of govtrack.org)

In what will likely be their only official face-off, 18th Congressional District candidates Darin LaHood and Junius Rodriguez sparred on such issues as the current presidential candidates, budget priorities, marriage equality and using tax dollars for mailings during a recent debate.

Rodriguez, D-Eureka, is challenging incumbent LaHood, R-Dunlap, for the seat in this fall’s general election. Last year, LaHood in a special election filled the remainder of the term left by prior disgraced seat-holder Aaron Schock.

In recent months, as the Nov. 8 fall general election has grown closer, LaHood, the son of longtime 18th District congressman Ray LaHood, and Rodriguez, a Eureka College professor, have attempted to share their messages through a variety of platforms and venues.

During the Oct. 17 debate, held in Springfield, LaHood and Rodriguez shared with voters why they believed they should head to Washington, D.C., and represent Central Illinois.

The 18th District, which encompasses portions of McLean, Peoria, Sangamon, Stark and Tazewell counties, and all of Adams, Brown, Cass, Hancock, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Menard, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler, Scott and Woodford counties, has a long history of leaning Republican. But Rodriguez said he believes residents across the region are ready for a change. LaHood said he has made meaningful change during his brief time in office.

As expected, LaHood and Rodriguez shared varied viewpoints on a range of issues during last week’s hour-long debate.

When asked about Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Democrat and Republican presidential candidates, respectively, LaHood and Rodriguez offered contrasting views on why they are standing behind their respective party’s candidate.

“This is one of the strangest elections we’ve ever seen,” Rodriguez said. “I think both parties will do some serious soul searching when all of this is settled.”

Although he is supporting her, Rodriguez said Clinton is “not the ideal candidate” for the Democratic ticket. In the same breath, however, he said he believed Trump was “incompatible with the Constitution.”

Republican incumbent Rep. Darin LaHood (left) and Democratic challenger Junius Rodriguez

Republican incumbent Rep. Darin LaHood (left) and Democratic challenger Junius Rodriguez

LaHood said he was an early supporter of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, both of whom were presidential hopefuls on the Republican ticket. He said he continues to stand by Trump, though he noted he has openly spoken out against Trump’s comments when he feels the need to do so.

“The two most important issues to me are fixing the economy and the future of the Supreme Court as it relates to the Second Amendment,” LaHood said. “When you look at these issues, you can’t trust Hillary Clinton.”

When asked about their approach to tackling the country’s $19 trillion deficit, LaHood and Rodriguez offered slightly varied responses.

If re-elected, LaHood said he would strive to enact policy that would create the “pro-growth economy” that was prevalent when Republican Newt Gingrich was Speaker of the House during a portion of Democrat Bill Clinton’s presidency.

“I think you need to go across the board, and everything needs to be affected,” LaHood said of trimming the deficit.

Rodriguez, by contrast, said he believed all programs should be looked at on a case-by-case basis when the scalpel was put to the budget.

“I think we have to look at everything,” Rodriguez said. “Everything has to be considered.”

Rodriguez and LaHood offered stark comments on the state of marriage equality, particularly in terms of upholding the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

“What we’re talking about is a question of civil rights,” Rodriguez said. “The Supreme Court has spoken on that point … and I’m able to live with the law as it stands.”

Pointing to his Catholic faith, LaHood adamantly said he was opposed to homosexuality. He said he would favor a Constitutional amendment, if it were presented, to overturn last year’s decision.

Speaking to the present, LaHood said, “I may not agree with it, but I will abide by the law.”

Throughout this year’s campaign, Rodriguez has taken jabs at LaHood at press conferences and through email alerts for several of LaHood’s actions, including a practice of using taxpayers’ money to send out mailings to his constituents.

In the debate, LaHood defended his actions, pointing out the 18th Congressional District encompasses all or portions of 19 counties, many in rural communities. In some communities, LaHood said mailings are still one of the most effective forms of communication.

Speaking to his outreach efforts, LaHood said, “I’m proud of it and will continue doing what I’ve done.”
Rodriguez countered that the mailings are “self-promotion.” When meeting with residents in the district, Rodriguez said he frequently hears people say, “There is a disconnect between politicians and citizens.”

 

— LaHood, Rodriguez face off in bid for 18th Congressional seat —