Zopp criticizes Duckworth over Iran deal

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Andrea Zopp challenged opponent Tammy Duckworth Tuesday over last year's Iran nuclear deal, arguing the Hoffman Estates congresswoman should have announced her support far sooner.

Duckworth supports the agreement struck by President Barack Obama's administration, but Zopp argues she should have done so earlier.

It was a position Zopp raised Tuesday at a meeting with the Daily Herald editorial board when asked about issues where the candidates differ.

"At the time it was first proposed, it was not clear it was going to pass," Zopp said of the Iran deal. "If you have that kind of gravitas, if you have that political power, to not use it and to wait until the cover arrives. That's the point. My point is that timing matters."

Duckworth spokesman Matt McGrath said Duckworth's record shows a "careful deliberation of national security issues."

Zopp's comments "are misguided and unfortunate, and betray the frustrations of a candidate and campaign that hasn't managed to break through or meet expectations," McGrath said.

Duckworth, Zopp and state Sen. Napoleon Harris of Harvey are vying in the March 15 primary for the Senate seat now held by Republican Mark Kirk of Highland Park.

Harris is set to talk with the Daily Herald editorial board next week. Duckworth hasn't yet agreed to a time.

Duckworth has a large fundraising lead on Zopp.