Ted Gradel: Candidate profile

Bio

Party: Republican

City: Naperville

Office sought: U.S. Congress. Illinois 14th Congressional District.

Age: 55

Family: Husband of 30 years and father of three wonderful daughters.

Occupation: Businessman.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English & Economics, University of Notre Dame.

Civic involvement: Volunteer youth athletics coach for 15 years.

Previous elected offices held: Zero. I am a political outsider

Incumbent? No.

Website: https://tedgradel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TedGradel/

Twitter: @TedGradel14

Questions and Answers

1. What have the past three years of Donald Trump's unconventional leadership taught us about politics in the United States? What is the best thing his presidency has done? What is the most significant criticism you have of it?

The election of Donald Trump symbolized a growing consensus that the career politicians in Washington have failed. The gridlock, their old way of thinking, and the institutions that were more focused on maintaining their own power than using their authority to move our country forward. My criticism is of the Washington Elites who feel it is the Trump voter, not them, who must change. Since President Donald Trump took office we have added over 7 million jobs to our economy including over 500,000 manufacturing jobs. We have record low unemployment and wages are increasing. He has rolled back regulations and helped provide more opportunities for all Americans. His agenda is working for the American people.

2. What needs to be done to get Congress to work constructively, whether that be senators and representatives of both parties working with each other or Congress itself working with the president?

Less political grandstanding will equal greater results for the American people. There are issues where both parties have common ground, such as criminal justice reform, and we should not let our differences on other issues prevent us from working together where we agree. I support term limits for members of Congress. I believe that would encourage more problem-solving and attract more legislators from the real world.

3. What do you see as the most important issues to address regarding immigration reform? If you oppose funding for a wall, what steps do you support to try to control illegal immigration?

Our immigration system is broken, and amnesty is not the answer. The first step in any solution must be bolstering our border security. Without a secure border, any further conversation on immigration reform is totally irrelevant.

4. Please define your position on health care reform, especially as it relates to the Affordable Care Act.

We need to reintroduce free-market principles back into the health care debate. People should have the freedom to choose a plan that makes sense for them, they should be able to keep the doctor and we need to encourage price transparency and competition to lower costs.

5. What is your position on federal funding for contraception, the Violence Against Women Act and reproductive rights?

I am pro-life and support the Violence Against Women Act.

6. What do you consider America's role in world affairs? What are we doing correctly to fill that role? What else should we be doing?

Americans are fortunate to live in a beacon of freedom and opportunity for the world. I support the promotion of those principles and hope that one day every person in this world has the same wonderful gift of freedom that we enjoy every day.

7. Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?

Yes, the climate is changing but I don't support the radical policies that AOC and other socialists are pushing that will do nothing but destroy the middle class. Of course, everyone wants to protect the environment, but we need to be smart about how we do that and achieve results - not play politics.