Senate hopefuls Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Stratton target Trump, talk affordability at first debate

The three Democratic front-runners vying for the U.S. Senate in the March 17 primary focused on core issues like affordability, improving health care and standing up to President Donald Trump at a Wednesday debate.

U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly of Lynwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton of Chicago participated in the forum organized by NorthWest Suburbs Organizing For Action/ Indivisible Illinois.

Asked about top priorities, Stratton listed providing “Medicare for all” and offering a tax credit for the middle class to be paid for with a tax increase on millionaires and corporations, and “making life more affordable.”

“I will focus on raising the minimum wage, just like we have done in Illinois, it is still $7.25 at the federal level” versus $15 in Illinois, she said.

Krishnamoorthi said it’s crucial “to hold the Trump administration accountable. I’ve made a career in Congress of standing up to bullies.”

Krishnamoorthi also wants to make “sure people feel they’re on the path of the American dream.” That includes properly funding a law he authored that assists Americans without a four-year degree obtain a “world-class post-secondary education.”

Kelly’s platform is “people over profits,” which involves taxing millionaires, billionaires and corporations. “They need to pay their fair share so we can invest in affordable housing, so we can invest in health care, so we can invest in child care … so we can invest in economic development.”

Kelly noted she was a founding member of the Medicare for All Caucus in Congress.

The candidates took questions on a variety of topics.

On immigration policy, Kelly said reforms are essential starting with Dreamers “many of them who don’t know any other country,” as well as for undocumented immigrants working in the U.S. She called for border security “with good people … that are empathetic,” and ambassadors in every country.

Stratton was asked about the war in Ukraine. “Ukraine is our ally, and we should always stand with them. (Trump) tells our allies America can’t be trusted. Then he talks to our adversaries and tries to cozy up with them. We need sturdy leadership and that’s the kind I’m going to bring,” she said.

On reducing gun violence, Krishnamoorthi noted he had a “F” rating from the NRA. “We need universal background checks. We need to have a ban on assault weapons.” Krishnamoorthi also called for passing legislation he sponsored for a three-day waiting period for the purchase of hand guns.

The debate which featured additional Democratic candidates can be found at nwsofa.org.