Duckworth, Kaifesh spar over U.S. business environment

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth last month compared companies that move operations overseas for lower taxes to military "deserters," sparking a debate with Republican challenger Larry Kaifesh over the U.S. business environment, taxes and the economy.

Kaifesh, a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from Carpentersville, took exception to Duckworth's criticism of companies seeking a more attractive tax situation.

The goal, he said, should be to make America a place businesses want to be for businesses reasons - not just by appealing to their sense of patriotism.

"We have a free market. Businesses are allowed to do what they want," Kaifesh said.

"I think it's criminal that my opponent called those people traitors because they were leaving for a more positive economic environment," he added. "It's saying, if you don't stay here so we can fleece you, you're a traitor."

Kaifish said rather than criticize, lawmakers should be making the environment more appealing to businesses.

Duckworth, a first-term representative from Hoffman Estates and lieutenant colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard, agrees with the need for comprehensive tax reform, but she said it needs to be fair for everyone. Enjoying a friendly business environment and having a sufficient sense of loyalty to pay one's fair share don't have to be mutually exclusive traits, she said.

Only big corporations really have the means to relocate abroad, Duckworth added. And when they do, they take an undue share of revenue away from roads and schools - services they and their employees require, she added.

"Small businesses in my district don't have the luxury of (relocating)," Duckworth said. "Frankly, they're the engines of our economy. Comprehensive tax reform can't just be for the big guys."

The movement of big corporate money overseas not only hurts local services but also weakens the U.S. overall, including militarily, she added.

Duckworth concedes that she was feeling passionate about the topic when she made the "deserter" comment in August, but she said she believes that corporations are taking advantage when they move their tax money overseas while continuing to use services - roads, schools, infrastructure - paid for by other Americans.

The 8th District is roughly centered in Schaumburg and includes parts of northwest Cook, central DuPage and eastern Kane counties.