By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – During a forum in Springfield on Monday, the candidates for the 18th Congressional District laid out their vision for foreign trade.
While he said he has concerns about American sovereignty, incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said there have to be more markets for Illinois products. “The more corn and soybeans, the more Caterpillar products or John Deere and ADM products we can sell around the world, the better,” he said.
Democratic challenger Junius Rodriguez, a longtime history teacher, said America is “turning a blind eye” on the negative consequences of trade agreements. “If we accept (the Trans Pacific Partnership) as it is put in place currently what we’re doing is we’re devaluing the dignity of labor not only in other nations but we’re devaluing the dignity of labor even here at home.”
Meanwhile, the candidates agreed there needs to be cuts to the federal deficit, including looking at farm subsidies.
Rodriguez said, with the exception of social security, nothing should be left off the chopping block. “I think that small cuts over the course of a span of a decade could be made in subsidies, and farm subsidies in particular.”
Darin LaHood said it’s unfair for Congress to single out one subsidy over another. He said there needs to be a level playing field. “If there’s a phasing out of all subsidies, that’s something I support. I think that’s good. Free and open competition for all entities and commodities that are currently subsidized by the government.”
LaHood said budget cuts need to be coupled with an agenda to grow private sector jobs in an effort to control $19 trillion in debt.
The two candidates differed on a range of issues but agreed on increasing the Social Security retirement age to at least 70-years-old and keeping the federal government out of medical cannabis.
