advertisement

Delia Ramirez: 2022 candidate for 3rd Congressional District

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: 3rd Congressional District

City: Chicago

Age: 39

Occupation: Illinois State Legislator, 4th Representative District

Previous offices held: Illinois State Legislator, 4th Representative District since 2018

Q&A

Q: What is your reaction to the results so far presented by the committee investigating the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol and what should Congress do next as a result of them?

A: The Jan 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol was a fundamental attack on our country and our system of government. It is essential for our long-term survival that Congress investigate what was done, who did it and who aided and abetted them in a nonpartisan investigation. The results presented so far by the committee have deeply shocked and saddened me for their disregard to Capitol staff and the elected officials. All participants that broke the laws and committed violence should be prosecuted.

Q: What is America's role in foreign affairs, particularly related to two separate crises: Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's conflict with the Palestinians.

A: As the largest and most diverse economy in the world as well as the most powerful military, the U.S. should have a leadership role in foreign affairs. However, this does not mean acting unilaterally but in conjunction with our allies and to allow countries and their citizens to live freely and have the opportunity to reach their potential. Our support of Ukraine is a good example of this approach.

In the Middle East, we need to balance our support to insure that the Palestinians can develop their own country and also to insure that Israel can have peace and safety.

Q: Mass shootings at schools and public gatherings are generally a uniquely American phenomenon. What should Congress do to address the problem?

A: Congress needs to address the virtually unrestricted access to guns and ban ownership of military style weapons. Most other countries have done this without restricting hunting and sport use of guns or the right to self protection.

We also need to better fund schools, communities and mental health services to minimize the conditions where people can commit mass shootings.

Q: The Supreme Court has made it clear it considers abortion a states' rights issue and has suggested it may rule similarly on same-sex marriage and other social issues. What should the response be from Congress? How do you define whether such issues should be governed by federal authority or state authority?

A: Congress should clearly define that women have control over their bodies rather than any government entity and that in the 21st century the freedoms covered under personal privacy and liberty including reproductive rights, gay marriage, etc. should be protected in all states.

Q: Are you concerned about the impact of all the recent federal spending on inflation, and what is the role of Congress in managing the economy? If you favor spending cuts, where specifically would you want to see spending reduced?

A: The recent federal spending was still a relatively small percentage of GDP and is making up for years of cuts and inadequate spending on infrastructure, public health, education, transportation, research and development of new technologies and addressing climate change. If, as a country, we had been regularly investing in these areas we would not have needed such remedial funding. The payoffs in greater productivity, increased opportunities for all residents, and savings from better health status will benefit the economy for years.

Q: Are you confident that elections and voting access are free and fair in America? If not, why not and what should be done?

A: Prior to the recent restrictions imposed in a number of states, we were moving toward better voting access. Voter restrictions going back to Jim Crow have caused the U.S. to have some of the lowest election participation in the world. Voting should be encouraged as an essential responsibility of citizenship. It should be easy, convenient and rewarded, not demonized.

Q: Whether your party is in the majority or the minority, what is the key to being a successful congressman and what are the characteristics about you that would make you successful?

A: Being a successful legislator requires being able to talk to other legislators and listen to what they are saying. Then you can craft legislation that meets your goals and principles as well as theirs.

That is what I did in the Illinois legislature and what I will do in Congress.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.