A look at US Senate candidates' national security positions
CHICAGO (AP) - Three Democrats and two Republicans are vying in the March 15 primaries for the chance to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate.
With national security expected to be a major focus of the 2016 elections, here's a look at the candidates and where they stand on issues ranging from the Obama administration's nuclear deal with Iran to whether the U.S. should admit refugees from Syria. Some answers have been edited for length:
U.S. REP. TAMMY DUCKWORTH, DEMOCRAT
Duckworth is an Army veteran and former director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. She was elected to the U.S. House in 2012.
Q: Should the U.S. continue to accept refugees from Syria?
A: Yes. Wants to accept 200,000 refugees - far more than the Obama administration's commitment. Says many refugees are children victimized by the Islamic State group.
Q: Should the U.S. close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you support the Obama administration's pact with Iran, curbing Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions?
A: Yes, though she called it "imperfect" and said she had serious concerns about threats to Israel.
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U.S. SEN. MARK KIRK, REPUBLICAN
Kirk is a lawyer and former Navy intelligence officer. He was elected to the U.S. House in 2000 and won his first U.S. Senate term in 2010.
Q: Should the U.S. continue to accept refugees from Syria?
A: No. Has called for a "pause" in admitting refugees until federal authorities can guarantee they do not pose a threat to the U.S.
Q: Should the U.S. close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba?
A: No.
Q: Did you support the Obama administration's pact with Iran, curbing Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions?
A: No. Says the agreement put the U.S. and its allies at risk.
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STATE SEN. NAPOLEON HARRIS, DEMOCRAT
Harris played football at Northwestern University and in the NFL and now owns a chain of pizza restaurants. He was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012.
Q: Should the U.S. continue to accept refugees from Syria?
A: Yes. Supports President Obama's plan to accept an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees.
Q: Should the U.S. close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you support the Obama administration's pact with Iran, curbing Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions?
A: Yes. Says the deal "provides us with a penetrating view into Iran's nuclear program activities, which enhances our ability to protect our allies," namely Israel.
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JAMES MARTER, REPUBLICAN
Marter owns his own software consulting company and is a former college swimmer. He serves as a Kendall County Republican party committeeman.
Q: Should the U.S. continue to accept refugees from Syria?
A: No. Says it's not possible to guarantee refugees won't pose a threat so "my number is zero."
Q: Should the U.S. close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba?
A: No.
Q: Did you support the Obama administration's pact with Iran, curbing Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions?
A: No. Says if he's elected and the U.S. has "the right president" he will push to "undo" the agreement.
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ANDREA ZOPP, DEMOCRAT
Zopp is a former state and federal prosecutor who also held corporate positions at Exelon and Sears. She most recently was CEO of the Chicago Urban League.
Q: Should the U.S. continue to accept refugees from Syria?
A: Yes. Supports Obama's plan to admit additional 10,000.
Q: Should the U.S. close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you support the Obama administration's pact with Iran, curbing Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions?
A: Yes. Says it "provides greater safety and security for all, both in the Middle East and the world."