By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – One of the few policy differences between the declared Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate involves the Iran nuclear deal–not if they support it, but when they publicly said they did.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Hoffman Estates) announced her support of the agreement this week, ahead of an expected vote on a resolution to block the deal. Her Democratic rival in the Senate race, Andrea Zopp, said Duckworth should’ve made up her mind sooner.

“Waiting until 42 senators came out in support of it to make a decision so it doesn’t matter one way or another was a little too late if you’re trying to lead,” Zopp said. “I’m glad she came out with a decision, but I think it matters that you wait…and see which way the winds are blowing.”

Zopp had announced her support of the agreement 27 days earlier than Duckworth.

The man they’re trying to unseat, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), has been one of the most vocal critics of the deal.

Zopp admits the policy differences between her and Duckworth are minor, but she does take issue with Duckworth’s leadership qualities and experience, saying she has “no particular policy engagement” on issues like criminal justice reform and economic development.