>>> GOOD EVENING, AND WELCOME TO A SPECIAL EDITION OF "CHICAGO TONIGHT" , A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN -- CHICAGO PUBLIC MEDIA AND THE CHICAGO SOME-TIMES.

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN BACK AND I'M TINA -- OF THE SOME-TIMES, TODAY WE FOCUS ON -- THE SENATE IN ILLINOIS.

WE LOOK WAS AND VIEWERS AROUND THE STATE ON PUBLIC RADIO TELEVISION AND NATIONAL -- >> ALSO JOINED BY AN AUDIENCE AT -- TV CAMPAIGN, AS WELL AS AUDIENCE IN CHICAGO.

WE WILL HEAR FROM THE LITTLE VILLAGE CAMPAIGN LATER IN THE RV TONIGHT PROGRAM IS NOT A FORMAL DEBATE, THERE WILL BE OPENING AND CLOSING STATEMENTS, ANSWERS WILL NOT BE TIME TO -- -- >> FAIRNESS AS THEIR GUIDE WE WILL RESTRAIN THE CANDIDATES FROM GIVING CAMPAIGN SPEECHES.

THANK YOU CAN JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE AS WELL, USING -- WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, LET'S MEET OUR CANDIDATES.

JOINING US ARE TAMMY DUCKWORTH, DEMOCRAT AND INCUMBENT U.S.

SENATOR, ELECTED IN 2016, FINISHING UP HER FIRST TERM.

AND KATHY SELBY, A REPUBLICAN ATTORNEY IN PRIVATE PRACTICE .

ALSO ON THE BALLOT IS LIBERTARIAN BILL REDPATH.

YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIM ON OUR WTD -- WE WELCOME BOTH OF YOU HERE FOR THIS WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE YOU.

LET'S START WITH THE ISSUE OF GUN VIOLENCE -- IN CHICAGO, AS YOU KNOW THAT WE HAD THE SHOOTINGS IN ST. LOUIS THIS WEEK.

HIGHLAND PARK IS ON EVERYBODY'S MIND.

DUCKWORTH, REPUBLICANS ALWAYS CITE MENTAL HEALTH, DEMOCRATS CITE GUN CONTROL.

WHETHER YOU ARE THINKING OF THAT OR SOMETHING ELSE, CAN YOU NAME ONE POLICY YOU SUPPORT THAT WOULD COMBAT THE PROBLEM?

EXPLAIN SOMETHING IT ADDRESSES THAT IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING ADDRESSED.

THAT WE ARE LOOKING TO START -- THANK YOU FOR HAVING -- IMPORTANT -- YOU KNOW, THE VOTERS SENT ME TO WASHINGTON TO FIND THOSE COMMONSENSE SOLUTIONS -- MY HONOR TO WORK FOR THOSE COMMONSENSE SOLUTIONS.

ONE THING WE WORKED IN THE PAST IS -- ONE OF THE THINGS WE DID -- TO PASS AND MAKE STRAW PURCHASES ILLEGAL -- WHO ARE BUYING GUNS FOR PEOPLE WHO CANNOT BUY GUNS.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHAT WE NEED IS SENSIBLE GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION.

WE NEED TO PASS AN ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN AND A HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINE BAN.

-- OFFICE I CARRIED AN M-16 FOR YEARS.

I KNOW WHAT THESE ASSAULT WEAPONS DUE TO A BODY.

IN ADDITION TO MAKE SURE -- POLICE FORCES -- PLAN AND -- SUPPORTING POLICE OFFICERS AS WELL.

I -- PASSED LEGISLATION WITH JOHN CORNYN OF TEXAS -- PROVIDE -- TREATMENT AND CARE FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS .

SO, WE HAVE GOT TO TAKE CARE -- POLICE FORCES ARE FUNDED.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE -- FIRST RESPONDERS -- ON THE FRONT LINE EVERY SINGLE DAY.

AND THEN -- I AM PROUD OF -- FOR THE NRA.

-- HAS AN A RATING FOR THE NRA, SHE WILL NEVER VOTE FOR AN ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN.

BACK KATHY SELBY -- I GUESS I SHOULD AND IN -- A SOLID AND THEN, DO YOU SUPPORT THAT?

BACK YOU HIT IT ON THE HEAD, WHEN YOU MENTIONED THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

WE HAVE A CRISIS OF MENTAL HEALTH.

WE ALSO HAVE UNSAFE STREETS.

I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK A LITTLE ABOUT THIS MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

BACK IN 2018, I AS A PROFESSIONAL ATTORNEY -- A SMALL [ INAUDIBLE ] FOR OVER 30 YEARS, I SAW MY CLIENTS [ INAUDIBLE ] FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH -- I WENT TO A ONE-YEAR COURSE FOR NATIONAL [ INAUDIBLE ] TRAINED AS A PROFESSIONAL.

THAT IS PROFESSIONAL [ INAUDIBLE ] MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR BUT AS A PROFESSIONAL [ INAUDIBLE ] HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE TRANSITORY [ INAUDIBLE ] MENTAL ILLNESS [ INAUDIBLE ] AND THEIR FAMILIES TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THEM.

I THINK IN ST. LOUIS AND ALSO IN THE HIGHLAND PARK TRAGEDY, WE SEE THAT.

WE WERE A BLOCK BEHIND [ INAUDIBLE ] VERY PROFOUND THAT NIGHT [ INAUDIBLE ] CAME TO OUR HOUSE AND UNLOADED -- SPOKE ABOUT HOW THEY SHELTERED IN PLACE.

I THINK THAT, MORE THAN EVER , WE HAVE, I WILL, AS A UNITED STATES SENATOR FOCUS [ INAUDIBLE ] MENTAL HEALTH, WE CAN FOCUS IN OUR COMMUNITY [ INAUDIBLE ] BACK ANY GUN RESTRICTIONS YOU WOULD SUPPORT?

BACK SENATOR DUCKWORTH, YOU SAID YOURSELF IN YOUR CNN INTERVIEW [ INAUDIBLE ] IMPLEMENT OF THE NEWLY PASSED GUN LEGISLATION, THAT THE INCIDENT IN HIGHLAND PARK [ INAUDIBLE ] WOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED.

BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE LAST COUPLE YEARS, YOU SERVED 10 YEARS IN THE CONGRESS.

WE HAVE HAD MANY INSTANCES OF VIOLENCE BOTH IN OUR SCHOOLS AND ON OUR STREETS.

I WOULD SAY THE REASON I HAVE THE UNANIMOUS ENDORSEMENT OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE BECAUSE OF YOUR SOFT ON CRIME POLICIES, WHICH REALLY HAD A MIXED TIGNALL -- SMACK -- NEEDS TO RESPOND TO THAT.

>> SHE DID NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION DID WOULD YOU VOTE FOR A SULLIVAN DANCE?

THAT INCLUDES A HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINE BAN IS WILL BE THAT IS THE MOST COMMON DENOMINATOR IN ALL MASS SHOOTINGS.

THE NUMBER OF MASS SHOOTINGS IN THIS COUNTRY HAS TRIPLED, TRIPLED, SINCE THE ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN WAS LIFTED.

SHE HAD AN A RATING FOR THE NRA.

SHE WILL NEVER VOTE FOR AN ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN TO GET PEOPLE UP AND UP A BIT I AM PROUD [ INAUDIBLE ] $15 BILLION IN FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND ALSO FUNDING TO MAKE OUR SCHOOLS SAFER AND FUNDING FOR OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AND MORE FUNDING FOR RED FLAG LAWS, WHICH WILL ALLOW THE DIFFERENT DATABASES TO OVERLAP AND SHARE INFORMATION WITH EACH OTHER.

SO, I AM REALLY PROUD I WAS ABLE TO VOTE FOR THIS LEGISLATION.

I SUPPORTED, BUT WE DEFINITELY NEED AN ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN AND A HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINE THAN [ INAUDIBLE ] >> CAN I QUICKLY ASK YOU -- YOU MENTIONED MILITARY EXPERIENCE, AND HAVING USED GUNS BEFORE.

DO YOU PERSONALLY OWN A GUN?

>> I DO.

>> HOW MANY?

THAT I AM NOT A GUN OWNER, BUT I DO HAVE A -- CARD.

BACK KATHY, DO YOU OWN A GUN?

>> I DO.

>> [ INAUDIBLE ] IN OUR FAMILY CONCEALED CARRY AS WELL.

>> WHAT DO THEY USE THEM FOR?

MAC WENT TO THE USE THEM FOR?

THEY USE THEM FOR TARGET PRACTICE AND FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION.

>> MOVING ON TO THE CAMPAIGN, LET'S TALK A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR QUALIFICATIONS.

JENNIFER -- SENATOR DUCKWORTH, CAN YOU TELL US [ INAUDIBLE ] PROUD YOU HAVE SPONSORED AND WHAT YOU ABOUT SPECIFIC WE AS A SENATOR [ INAUDIBLE ] RE-ELECTION?

>> I AM PROUD OF THE BIPARTISAN [ INAUDIBLE ] I HAVE DONE [ INAUDIBLE ] ELECTED.

I STARTED OFF [ INAUDIBLE ] LEGISLATION DOWN ON RED TAPE [ INAUDIBLE ] AS TO HOW WE DO INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THIS COUNTRY.

I FOLLOWED UP WITH THAT, MAKING SURE WE SUPPORTED OUR VETERANS .

UNDER THE TROUBLED PENETRATION, I WROTE AND PASSED A BILL THAT PROVIDES ACCESS [ INAUDIBLE ] TO VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

I WROTE THE BIPARTISAN DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER ACT, WHICH IS [ INAUDIBLE ] THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEAL [ INAUDIBLE ] SERVICE LINES IN THE COUNTRY, AS WELL AS WORKING ON SEWER SYSTEMS.

[ INAUDIBLE ] I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT FIXING OUR SEWER SYSTEM THAT I HAVE MADE THIS A CORE COMPONENT OF WHAT I DO.

SO, ALL ACROSS THIS COUNTRY, ALL ACROSS THE STATE, IF YOU SEE SEWER SYSTEMS [ INAUDIBLE ] IT IS BECAUSE I WROTE THAT LEGISLATION AND GOT IT OUT.

I AM ALSO VERY PROUD OF THE WORK I HAVE DONE ON THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER SUPPORT ACT, WHICH, AGAIN, AS I HAVE MENTIONED, PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS WHO DEVELOP POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS AS A RESULT OF SERVICE [ INAUDIBLE ] THEY CAN GET THE HELP THEY NEED.

[ INAUDIBLE ] THE CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE LEGISLATION HAS NAMED IT THE NUMBER ONE TOP DEMOCRATIC SENATOR IN MY FRESHMAN CLASS, AND HAS ALSO [ INAUDIBLE ] WHEN IT COMES TO PASSING LEGISLATION.

>> KATHY SELBY, YOU RAN FOR CONGRESS IN 2006.

WAS MENTALLY THE SAME YEAR THAT TAMMY DUCKWORTH WON.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIVATE-SECTOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT QUALIFY YOU TO BE A MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE?

WHAT IS THE FIRST BILL YOU WOULD SPONSOR?

>> I LIKE TO CORRECT YOU ON THAT, MS. DUCKWORTH WAS DEFEATED BY MY FORMER LAW PARTNER AND GOOD FRIEND, PETER RASKIN.

BUT IN ANY EVENT, RISSMAN DUCKWORTH HAS SERVED FOR 10 YEARS.

I DON'T BELIEVE WE HAVE HEARD AN ANSWER FROM HER IN THE LAST QUESTION, ON HER SOFT ON CRIME "DEFUNDING" OF THE POLICE THAT I HAD IMAGINED.

WE TALKED ABOUT SILENCING THE STREETS, WE HAD AN ISSUE WITH VIOLENCE IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, IN RURAL AND SUBURBAN -- IN THE STATE.

IT WAS RECKLESS FOR CONGRESSMAN -- SORRY, SENATOR -- DUCKWORTH TO SUPPORT LORI LIGHTFOOT FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO.

TO SUGGEST SHE IS DOING A GOOD JOB WHEN [ INAUDIBLE ] 52 MILLION FROM THE CHICAGO POLICE BUDGET.

THEY ARE DEMORALIZED, UNDERMANNED, AND THE PEOPLE AND FAMILIES OF CHICAGO ARE [ INAUDIBLE ] AS A RESULT.

>> WE MENTIONED AT THE TOP OF THE PROGRAM, WE HAVE A LIVE AUDIENCE [ INAUDIBLE ] LITTLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN WATCHING THE FORUM, AND HAVE QUESTIONED OF THE ARGUMENT NOW, WE ARE GOING TO GO TO -- MICHAEL FUENTE, LIVE IN -- VILLAGE.

ONE OF THE VOICES OF THE PROGRAM.

MICHAEL, WHERE ARE YOU, EXACTLY?

AND WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE?

>> PEREZ, WE ARE AT -- COMMUNITY CHURCH, HERE IN LITTLE VILLAGE, CHICAGO.

WE HAVE A SMALL BUT GOOD CROWD ON HAND, GOING TO ASK THE CANDIDATE SOME QUESTIONS.

WE HAD OUR FIRST QUESTION -- SIR, INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

>> GOOD EVENING, MY NAME IS [ INAUDIBLE ] I AM [ INAUDIBLE ] NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER.

MY QUESTION IS, FOR THE THREE MONTHS, MANY ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS [ INAUDIBLE ] HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING [ INAUDIBLE ] IN CHICAGO.

WE ARE FORTUNATE ILLINOIS IS A WELCOMING STATE AND CHICAGO IS A WELCOMING CITY WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR CONTINUING SUPPORT [ INAUDIBLE ] SOCIETIES PROJECTED NOW AROUND 3500 WHO HAVE ARRIVED AND PLAN TO MAKE ILLINOIS HOME?

ALSO, WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR FINALLY PASSING COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM?

>> WE WILL START WITH YOU, SENATOR, SINCE KATHY STARTED THE LAST QUESTION.

>> LET ME SAY WE NEED COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM, BUT IT STARTS WITH MAKING SURE WE RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS A CRISIS AT THE BORDER, AND WE NEED TO CERTAINLY SUPPORT OUR BORDER PATROL AGENTS, AND ALSO INCREASE OUR "PROTECTION" ALONG THE BORDER THAT IS WHAT I SUPPORTED THE BIPARTISAN FOR SUCH A BILL THAT PASSED THE SENATE BUT IT HAD A DOUBLING OF THE SIZE OF OUR ORDER FEDERAL AGENCY, INCLUDING 700 MILES OF ADDITIONAL BORDER FENCING.

I THINK THERE SHOULD BE MORE ALSO -- ALL THOSE OTHER TECHNOLOGIES.

WHATEVER WE DO [ INAUDIBLE ].

I THINK IT HAS TO BE PRACTICAL, IT HAS TO BE HUMANE, AND IT HAS TO BE FAIR.

SO, FOR THE FOLKS WHO ARE HERE, WE HAD TO BE PRACTICAL ABOUT HOW WE DEAL WITH THE IMMIGRATION ISSUE IN THIS COUNTRY.

WE CANNOT FIND 11 MILLION PEOPLE WHO ARE UNDOCUMENTED AND [ INAUDIBLE ] THAT IS NOT PRACTICAL.

WE HAVE TO BE FAIR.

WE CANNOT LET PEOPLE JUMP THE LINE.

SO, IF WE ARE GOING TO WORK ON COPPERHEADS OF IMMIGRATION REFORM AND [ INAUDIBLE ] TO CITIZENSHIP WE HAVE TWO [ INAUDIBLE ] PAY SOME KIND OF PENALTY FOR HAVING BROKEN THE LAW TO BE HERE, FIND A WAY FOR THEM TO WORK AND PAY INTO SOCIAL SECURITY, PAY TAXES, SO THEY DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THINGS BEING PAID BUT FOR MY OTHER PEOPLE AND [ INAUDIBLE ] >> THE ASYLUM-SEEKERS THAT ARE HERE -- WHAT ABOUT THEM?

>> [ INAUDIBLE ] PRACTICAL, FAIR, HUMANE WE DON'T HAVE PRACTICAL AND WARFARE, YOU HAVE INHUMANE THAT IS WHAT STARTED WITH [ INAUDIBLE ] SEPARATING BABIES FROM PARENTS, WHAT YOU'RE SEEING HAPPENING NOW WITH THE GOVERNORS OF FLORIDA AND TEXAS USING THESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS WHO ARE FLEEING TERRIBLE CONDITIONS, USING THEM AS POLITICAL PAWNS, THAT IS INHUMANE.

SO, WHAT DO WE DO?

WE NEED TO SUPPORT THEM.

YES, I THINK A WORKING PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT, SO THEY CAN WORK, AND WE CAN KNOW WHERE THEY ARE, THEY CAN HAVE A STATUS AND PAY TAXES.

THEY ARE NOT RELYING ON GOVERNMENT HANDOUTS, BUT WORKING AND BEING PRODUCTIVE FOR SOCIETY.

BUT SOME SORT OF PATHWAY THAT INCLUDES -- SOME KIND OF PENALTIES -- LEARN ENGLISH -- >> THE QUESTION, AGAIN, IS COMPREHEND OF IMMIGRATION REFORM.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ABOUT THAT?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SUPPORT SOME OF THE ASYLUM-SEEKERS THAT HAVE BEEN SENT IT IS CHICAGO?

>> WE HAVE A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN OUR BORDER.

3 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS OF CROSSED THE BORDER, AND THEY ARE DYING BY THE DAY.

IT IS UNDERREPORTED.

JUST WHAT HAPPENED IN CHICAGO AND OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, WHERE SOME OF THESE ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSINGS HAVE COME IS JUST A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT PEOPLE ON THE BORDER ARE DEALING WITH.

TAMMY DUCKWORTH HAS VOTED AGAINST EVERY SINGLE "PROTECTION" ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER.

HAS VOTED AGAINST 18,002 CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL , WHICH CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL BAKER, BEFORE YOU VOTED FOR 87,000 NEW IRS AGENTS TO BE FUNDED TO , AFTER AFFLUENT AMERICANS .

-- EARNING 200,000 -- YOU VOTED -- $300 MILLION BILL AT THE BORDER TO ALLOW [ INAUDIBLE ] OPIOID SCREENING DETECTION SENSORS , INFRARED CAMERAS, DRONES, AND OTHER PROTECTIONS AT THE CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL ASKED FOR.

YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

PRESIDENT BIDEN AND THIS ADMINISTRATION "OPEN BORDER POLICY " HAS DAMAGED OUR COUNTRY, BOTH DOMESTICALLY , ALLOWING A FREE FLOW OF FENTANYL TO COME ACROSS OUR BORDERS.

100,000 AMERICANS LAST YEAR DIED OF FENTANYL.

A NURSE IN HENDERSON COUNTY SAID SHE HAS SEEN, AND HER SMALL HOSPITAL RIGHT ON THE BORDER, NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE HUMAN TRAFFICKING -- I CAN TELL YOU IN MY PROFESSIONAL WORK, I HAVE HELPED TWO OF THOSE PEOPLE, ONE FROM CONGO AND ONE FROM RUSSIA, ESCAPED HUMAN TRAFFICKING -- >> WE HAD TO GET BACK TO LITTLE VILLAGE.

WE HAVE MORE QUESTIONS.

>> BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF RESOLVE WE SEE FROM SENATOR DUCKWORTH TO PROTECT THE SOUTHERN BORDER FROM BROWN PEOPLE -- >> THE FOLKS WHO ARE HERE, THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS.

WE HAVE TO BE PRACTICAL ABOUT HOW WE DOING IT, TO BE FAIR.

WE HAD TO BE HUMANE, WHICH MEANS THOSE FOLKS WHO HAVE BEEN USED AS HUMAN PONDS , BEEN BROUGHT HERE, LET'S SUPPORT THEM, MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A STATUS.

LET'S WORK ON HAVING COPPERHEADS OF REFORM.

>> LET'S GO BACK TO MICHAEL FUENTE IN LITTLE VILLAGE POINT MICHAEL, DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION ?

>> YES, WE DO, PARIS IT IS ARE HOT INITIATIVE AND OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO THE NET TO BECOME A YOUR NAME AND YOUR QUESTION.

BACK, MY NAME IS -- MORENA.

I AM A MEMBER OF LITTLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY COUNCIL.

MY QUESTION IS REGARDING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO DACA RECIPIENTS?

I AM CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN -- PROGRAM AND I CANNOT -- BECAUSE OF MY LEGAL STATUS, AND BECAUSE OF -- LOW NEEDS OF EMTs ON -- THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN MY POSITION.

>> BASICALLY, SHE HAD A QUESTION ABOUT DACA, PEOPLE WITH THAT STATUS.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO HELP?

SHE HAS A JOB BUT IT IS HARD FOR HER TO HOLD ONTO THE JOB.

>> B, LET'S WITH YOU ON DACA.

WOULD YOU VOLUNTARILY MAKE DACA PERMANENT OR SOME KIND OF FAT?

>> WE DEFINITELY NEED IMMIGRATION REFORM.

THIS IS WHY WE NEED A REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR, BECAUSE -- REPRESENTED BY A SINGLE PARTY.

IF YOU -- SENATOR DUCKWORTH RECORD, SHE -- REPUBLICAN SPONSORED THOUGH, SHE WILL VOTE -- PRETTY MUCH BIPARTISAN BILL SHE WILL VOTE ON, AND STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC IF WE WANT TO SERVE ILLINOIS WELL, WE NEED TO SEND A REPUBLICAN -- SPECIFICALLY ON IMMIGRATION REFORM.

IF IT IS GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS, WHETHER IT IS A DEMOCRAT BILL OR A REPUBLICAN BILL, I WILL WORK TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS.

THEY ARE BEING UNDERMINED.

I WOULD SAY, AFTER 10 YEARS IN CONGRESS, SHE PROMISES -- WHAT YOU PLAN TO DO WITH IMMIGRATION REFORM, BUT LOOK AT HER RECORD.

HER RECORD IS STRAIGHT DEMOCRAT -- >> THE ISSUE OF DACA.

SENATOR -- WEIGH IN ON >> WHAT I PLAN TO DO IS WORK ACROSS THE AISLE AND FIND MEANINGFUL IMMIGRATION REFORM.

THAT IS MY EMPTY PROMISE TO THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS AND AMERICA.

>> -- THE QUESTION ON DACA.

BACK AT ME, I WOULD VOTE YES TO EXTEND DACA, I WOULD ALSO VOTE YES ON A SENSIBLE GUEST WORKER PROGRAM TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO COME HERE AND WORK WITH LEGAL STATUS, TO WORK, PAY TAXES, AND DO ALL THOSE THINGS.

I ACTUALLY HAVE A BILL RIGHT NOW THAT IS VERY BIPARTISAN -- ONE PERSON IS STOPPING IT, SENATOR GRASSLEY OF IOWA .

IT WOULD ALLOW PEOPLE TO SERVE IN THE MILITARY AND GAIN GREEN CARD STATUS THROUGH MILITARY SERVICE.

I CANNOT THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO SHOW THAT YOU REALLY LOVE THIS COUNTRY AND WANT TO BE AN AMERICAN THAN TO BE WILLING TO PUT ON A UNIFORM TO DEFEND IT.

I HAVE WRITTEN THIS BILL, IT HAS A LOT OF SUPPORT, BUT SO FAR SENATOR GRASSLEY IS KEEPING IT FROM COMING TO A VOTE, HE IS THE TOP REPUBLICAN ON JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

OF COURSE I WILL VOTE FOR DACA AND FOR GUESTWORKER PROGRAMS.

ALL THE PEOPLE WORKING IN OUR RESTAURANTS, IN OUR AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT, WE NEED THOSE WORKERS.

WE SHOULD OFFER THOSE WORKERS SOMETHING PRACTICAL, FAIR, AND HUMANE.

IT IS NOT THE PRACTICAL TO BE IMPLANTED, IT HAS GOT TO BE FAIR, MEANING WE NEED TO OFFER THOSE JOBS TO AMERICANS FIRST, AND IF AMERICANS DON'T WANT THEM, WE OFFER THEM TO -- AND YES ON DACA.

THAT IS THE HUMIDITY.

>> MORE QUESTIONS FROM MICHAEL FUENTE AND LITTLE VILLAGE IN JUST A BIT, BUT WE WILL COME BACK TO ANOTHER HOT BUTTON ISSUE.

>> THIS HOT BUTTON ISSUE IS ABORTION.

B, IF SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM'S BILL OUTLAWED ABORTION AFTER 15 WEEKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY COMES TO A VOTE, WOULD YOU CAST A YES OR NO?

DOES IT GO FAR ENOUGH FOR YOU?

>> I BELIEVE THE DECISION MADE THE SUMMER IS GOOD, BECAUSE IT TOOK THE DECISION OF ABORTION OUT OF THE HANDS OF A NATIONAL COURT AND PUT INTO THE HANDS OF THE STATES' DELETE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES FOR THAT IS MY POSITION UNTIL I CAN VOTE ON IT.

I SUPPORT EXCEPTIONS AND REGULATIONS OF " BIG BUSINESS ABORTION".

I AM PRO-LIFE, "PRO-WOMAN" AND "PRO-CHILD".

-- WOMEN, THE ONLY RADICAL EXTREMIST ON THE ISSUE OF ABORTION IS SITTING NEXT TO ME, SENATOR DUCKWORTH.

SHE SUPPORTED AND VOTED THIS SUMMER FOR NINE-MONTH ELECTIVE ABORTIONS, TAXPAYER-FUNDED.

NINE-MONTH ABORTION WHENEVER RECOMMENDED BY A DOCTOR.

SENATOR DUCKWORTH, WOULD YOU VOTE FOR ANY RESTRICTION OR REGULATION OF ABORTION ALTOGETHER?

WE CAN "ALL" AGREE THAT ANY ABORTION IS A TRAGEDY.

IN MY PRACTICE , I HAVE HELPED WOMEN WHO HAVE RECEIVED INJURIES AT THE HANDS OF -- >> ORIGINAL QUESTION.

DID YOU SAY YOU BELIEVE IN ANY EXEMPTIONS TO ABORTION?

>> I SAID I BELIEVE WITH THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS AND RESTRICTIONS IN THE REGULATION OF ABORTION.

>> WILL YOU DO THAT?

>> [ INAUDIBLE ] >> QUESTION FOR SENATOR DUCKWORTH , WOULD YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF A FEDERAL BILL TO ENSURE ABORTION IS LEGAL NATIONWIDE?

TO YES.

I WOULD LIKE TO CODIFY ROE VERSUS WADE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS, PER ROE VERSUS WADE, WHICH IS CONSIDERED WITH ILLINOIS LAW, WHERE -- AT THE POINT OF VIABILITY.

MY DAUGHTERS, I AM NOT GOING TO LET THEM GROW UP IN A WORLD WHERE THEY HAVE FEWER RIGHTS THAN I DO.

WE HAVE HAD ROE VERSUS WADE NOW FOR 50 YEARS, AND IT HAS NOW BEEN RIPPED AWAY AT THE STRUGGLE APPENDED FRIENDLY, KATHY SELBY AND REPUBLICANS ARE PUSHING FOR A NATIONWIDE ABORTION BAND.

SHE IS ON THE RECORD SAYING SHE DOES NOT SUPPORT ACCESS TO ABORTION EVEN IN CASES OF AND INCEST OR FOR THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER.

SHE IS ON THE RECORD HAVING SAID THAT.

SHE DID NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT SHE WOULD VOTE FOR SENATOR GRAHAM'S BILL.

I DON'T THINK SHE THINKS IT GOES FAR ENOUGH.

IN FACT, WHAT IS HAPPENING ACROSS THIS COUNTRY IS THAT STATE AFTER STATE ARE OUTLINED ABORTIONS -- ILLINOIS HAS NOW BECOME A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE ARE COMING TO FROM TEXAS TO HAVE ACCESS TO ABORTION.

FRANKLY, AS ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES HAS SAID, THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE, TWO SMALL A ROOM FOR POLITICIANS TO INSERT THEMSELVES INTO.

>> I WILL SAY TO THAT, SENATOR DUCKWORTH'S POSITION ON ABORTION IS CLEAR.

SHE SUPPORTS ABORTION WHENEVER MEDICALLY NECESSARY, TAXPAYER-FUNDED.

I BELIEVE INCORRECTLY THAT THAT IS EXTREME -- I AM THE ONE WHO IS THE "MODERATE AND REASONABLE" >> KNOW.

BACK I JUST HAD IT, I WILL SAY IT AGAIN.

I SUPPORT ROE VERSUS WADE BEING CODIFIED INTO LAW, LEADING TO RESTRICTION AT THE POINT OF VIABILITY, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 24 WEEKS , WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH ILLINOIS LAW.

I VOTED WITH -- WHEN IT CAME UP FOR A VOTE.

>> ON THAT POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK SENATOR DUCKWORTH, WOULD YOU LIMIT ABORTION AT NINE MONTHS?

IF A WOMAN SOUGHT ABORTION AT NINE MONTHS, WOULD YOU GIVE ANY RIGHTS TO THE UNBORN FETUS AT NINE MONTHS?

WOULD YOU ASSIGN ANY RIGHTS TO AN UNBORN FETUS AT NINE MONTHS?

AT GESTATION POINT, THE DAY BEFORE A CHILD IS DUE, WOULD YOU GIVE ANY RIGHTS TO THE UNBORN FETUS?

>> I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOUR QUESTION.

THAT IS REALLY RARE.

I HAVE ALREADY SAID 24 WEEKS, WHICH IS A LOT EARLIER.

>> WE HAVE GOT TO MOVE ON AND WE HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS.

WE HAVE GOT TO -- ALL RIGHT.

INFLATION IS OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE ON EVERYBODY'S MIND, SITTING AROUND 8% IN THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW.

WHAT, AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, SHOULD BE DONE TO BRING THAT LEVEL DOWN?

>> THERE ARE TWO REASONS WE HAVE INFLATION.

ONE IS THE ONE $.9 TRILLION SPENDING BILL THAT SENATOR DUCKWORTH AND EVERY SINGLE DEMOCRAT SENATOR VOTED FOR IN MARCH OF 2021.

AND ALL THE MONEY WE PUT INTO THE SYSTEM HAS SINGULARLY CAUSED THE INFLATION WE ARE NOW -- THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE REASON, PROBABLY THE PREDOMINANT REASON, BECAUSE WE CANNOT AFFORD GAS AT THE TANK .

CANNOT AFFORD GROCERIES.

EVERY SINGLE FAMILY IN ILLINOIS, EVERY WORKER HIM OUR STANDARD OF LIVING IS AFFECTED BECAUSE OF THE RECKLESS BILL THAT SENATOR DUCKWORTH VOTED FOR , WITHOUT ONE REPUBLICAN VOTE IN MARCH OF 2020.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, WHEN PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNED INTO LAW WITH HIS GOLDEN PAN AT HIS DESK -- THE SHUTDOWN OF THE KEYSTONE PIPELINE , WE BECAME ENERGY DEPENDENT, AS OPPOSED TO ENERGY INDEPENDENT, WHICH WE "HAD BEEN" TWO YEARS AGO.

-- DRIVEN DOWN -- PAINFULLY DRIVEN DOWN OUR ECONOMY, CAUSING [ INAUDIBLE ] WE HAVE TODAY.

IT IS "COMPLETELY GOVERNMENT CAUSE", AND TAMMY DUCKWORTH HAS 100% RUBBERSTAMP VOTED -- THE "FAILED" JOE BIDEN AGENDA.

I AM RUNNING BECAUSE WE CANNOT UN-ELECT JOE BIDEN, BUT WE CAN UNELECTED TAMMY DUCKWORTH THIS NOVEMBER.

WE NEED TO HAVE A STRONG ECONOMY, BECOME ENERGY INDEPENDENT "AGAIN" WITH LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS, DRILLING ON -- AND ACCELERATING GLOBAL WARMING IS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

THOSE ARE THE TWO REASONS.

>> PERTINENT TO THE ECONOMY, PRESIDENT BIDEN -- EXECUTIVE ORDER PROVIDING STUDENT DEBT RELIEF OF $10,000 FOR THOSE WHO MEET CERTAIN -- GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU.

THE REASON THAT GAS PRICES HAVE GONE UP -- HAVE STOPPED DRILLING.

IN FACT, [ INAUDIBLE ] HAPPENED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS IS LARGE OIL AND GAS COMPANIES HAVE MAXIMIZE THEIR PROFITS.

IN FACT, TODAY, SHELL OIL ANNOUNCED THAT THEY MADE $9 BILLION IN PROFITS IN THE LAST QUARTER, WHICH IS DOUBLE WHAT THEY MADE IN THE SAME TIME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

I AM PROUD OF THE WORK I HAVE DONE -- CORPORATIONS TO BRING DOWN GAS PRICES, BUT ALSO TO GO AFTER BIG PHARMA AS WELL.

OIL AND PHARMACEUTICALS ARE THE TWO AREAS WHERE RECORD PROFITS HAVING IT AND CONTINUED TO DO SO.

IT IS WHY I VOTED FOR THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT THAT IS BRINGING DOWN PHARMACEUTICAL PRICES WITH A CAP AT $35 PER MONTH FOR INSULIN AND A $2000 PER YEAR ANNUAL LIMIT ON OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS .

AND ALLOWING MEDICARE TO NEGOTIATE A LOWER DRUG PRICES.

IT IS ALSO WHY IT REDUCED THE PRICE GOUGING ASKED TO GO AFTER THOSE BIG OIL CORPORATIONS WHO HAVE STOPPED DRILLING, WHO ARE DRIVING UP OIL PRICES -- THE AVERAGE PERSON IS TRYING TO PUT GAS IN THEIR TANK , AND STRUGGLING.

THEY ARE WONDERING WHY THE GAS PRICES ARE SO HIGH.

THEY ARE HIGH BECAUSE OIL COMPANIES ARE GOUGING.

>> I HAD TO GET TO ANOTHER ISSUE.

QUICK ANSWERS FROM BOTH OF YOU.

WE HAVE TO GET -- QUICKLY.

BUT ON THE ISSUE OF LOAN FORGIVENESS IT IS -- RIGHT NOW, $10,000, $20,000 IF YOU HAD A PELL GRANT.

DID THIS GO FAR ENOUGH?

>> I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE COST OF COLLEGE TUITION.

I DO SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT 'S FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT LOANS, BUT I THINK IT SHOULD BE A ONE TIME THING.

I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO REALLY SOLVE IS BRING DOWN THE HIGH COST OF TUITION, SO ANYBODY CAN GO TO COLLEGE AND COME OUT DEBT-FREE.

NOT FREE COLLEGE, BUT DEBT-FREE.

IT IS WHY I INTRODUCED A BILL ALLOWING PEOPLE TO GAIN MONEY FOR COLLEGE TUITION AND EXTEND FOR NATIONAL SERVICE BUT IF I PICK UP A RIFLE AND GOT G.I.

BILL MONEY FOR FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE, I THINK YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PICK UP A HAMMER, OR A PIECE OF CHALK, AND THROUGH TEACH FOR AMERICA, OR DIFFERENT PROGRAMS -- FOR EVERY 18 MONTHS YOU SERVED THIS COUNTRY, YOU GET TWO YEARS OF COLLEGE TUITION.

THAT WOULD BE A WAY , ALONG WITH WORK-STUDY, LIKE I HAD , I WORKED TWO JOBS AS A WAITRESS, TO GET MY WAY THROUGH COLLEGE.

YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GRADUATE WITHOUT DEBT.

YES, WE DO NEED THE CURRENT STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS, I SUPPORT THAT.

IT IS IMPORTANT -- BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO GOING FORWARD -- >> DOES NOT SEEM LIKE THEY HAVE HAD MOMENTUM SO FAR.

>> -- IN CHARGE OF THE HOUSE -- >> KATHY, LET ME ASK YOU THE LOAN FORGIVENESS QUESTION.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE BIDEN EXECUTIVE ORDER?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

EXECUTIVE ORDER -- AND TAMMY DUCKWORTH, AGAIN, SUPPORTS SOMETHING -- THE PROBLEM WE HAVE IS PRESIDENT BIDEN WROTE INTO LAW, FROM HIS DESK , AND SENATOR DUCKWORTH SITS IN THE CONGRESS, A DO-NOTHING CONGRESS, NOT CHECKING THE "UNBRIDLED" POWER OF JOE BIDEN.

THIS SHOWS THE DESPERATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE GOVERNMENT HAVE IN THIS MIDTERM ELECTION.

THEY HAVE SETTLED EVERY SINGLE ILLINOIS AND AMERICAN TAXPAYER WITH STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS.

NOT ONLY DOES THAT MEAN THE PAPER THAT LOAN WAS WRITTEN ON IS WORTH NOTHING -- BUT ALSO, IT IS GOING TO DRIVE TUITION UP.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY, HEAVILY UNFAIR TO PUT THAT BURDEN ON THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER.

MOREOVER, LET'S TALK ABOUT EDUCATION.

-- SHUTDOWN EDUCATION IN OUR STATE, 70% OF STUDENTS AT A THIRD-GRADE LEVEL CANNOT READ AND DO MATH -- MATT GOING TO CUT YOU OFF.

WE WILL HAVE EDUCATION QUESTIONS LATER.

THAT IS WHERE WE ARE GOING NEXT.

WE HAVE AUDIO THAT ILLINOIS PUBLIC MEDIA, I LL TELEVISION -- -- WITH AN AUDIENCE OF STUDENTS OTHER.

TANISHA, I KNOW SOME OF YOUR AUDIENCE ARE HOT TO WEIGH IN ON THE SUBJECT OF EDUCATION.

>> ABSOLUTELY [ INAUDIBLE ] MENTIONED [ INAUDIBLE ] OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS [ INAUDIBLE ] JOINED RIGHT NOW [ INAUDIBLE ] THOSE STUDENTS, WHO HAVE A QUESTION [ INAUDIBLE ] ASK HER FIRST QUESTION OUT OF CHAMPAIGN-URBANA.

>> HI [ INAUDIBLE ] McLEAN COUNTY RECENTLY INVOKED A STATE STATUTE THAT ALLOWS SCHOOLS TO REJECT TEACHER RESIGNATIONS.

HOW WILL YOU ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO BECOME TEACHERS?

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO INCENTIVIZE THOSE ALREADY IN THE PROFESSION TO STAY?

>> KATHY SELBY, LET'S START WITH YOU.

>> OUR TEACHERS WANT TO TEACH.

DURING THE SHUTDOWN OF THE SCHOOLS, HERE IN ILLINOIS, BY THE WAY, TAMMY DUCKWORTH SUPPORTED THE SCHOOL SHUTDOWNS, BECAUSE SHE CARED ABOUT SPREAD OF COVID.

ANY BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW SCHOOLS TO OPEN, SHE DID NOT SUPPORT IT.

WE HAVE SEEN WHAT A "DISASTER" THAT IS BEEN FOR ILLINOIS.

70% OF KIDS AT THE THIRD-GRADE LEVEL CANNOT READ OR DO MATH TO STANDARD.

AND TEACHERS ARE BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL, TRYING TO TEACH THE KIDS READING, MATH, AND SCIENCE.

THIS IS -- PROBLEM.

BUT I WILL SUPPORT AS THE NEXT U.S.

SENATOR IS FUNDING FOR THE STATE AND LOCAL DISTRICTS TO GET READING AND MATH SPECIALISTS INTO THE SCHOOLS TO HELP OUR KIDS CATCH UP.

THIS IS WHAT PARENTS WANT, WE WANT TO HAVE TRUST IN OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM TO IGNORE PANDEMICS -- UNLIKE TAMMY DUCKWORTH.

SMACKED SENATOR DUCKWORTH, ON THE SUBJECT EVERY TWO THREE TEACHERS TO THE PROFESSION?

>> I DO THINK WE SHOULD -- A PROGRAM WHERE TEACH IS GOING TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES -- CREDIT OR HAVE THEIR STUDENT DEBT REDUCED, THE WAY WE DO WITH THE DOCTORS [ INAUDIBLE ] DISTRICT ALREADY.

I ALSO SUPPORT [ INAUDIBLE ] LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW TEACHERS TO TAKE MORE OFF THEIR TAXES IN EXCHANGE FOR THE MONEY THEY USE TO BUY SCHOOL SUPPLIES.

FRIENDLY, TEACHERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE BUYING SCHOOL SUPPLIES OUT-OF-POCKET.

IT IS WHY I VOTED FOR THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN [ INAUDIBLE ] THAT ACTUALLY SENT A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY TO OUR SCHOOLS, SO ARTICLES COULD REOPEN AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

LET ME TELL YOU, I WAS HOME, TEACHING MY DAUGHTERS DURING THE HOMESCHOOLING .

ABIGAIL WAS IN KINDERGARTEN.

I HAD A PHD AND AM A UNITED STATES SENATOR, BUT BOY, I DID NOT DO WELL AS A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER.

I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR OUR TEACHERS OUT THERE ON THE FRONT LINES EVERY SINGLE DAY.

FRANKLY, WE NEED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH MORE RESOURCES SO THEY CAN DO THEIR JOB.

IT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I VOTED FOR THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN, TO KEEP OUR SCHOOLS SAFE AS THEY REOPEN, AND GIVE THEM RESOURCES THEY NEED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE EDUCATION -- KIDS RIGHT NOW WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC ARE GOING TO TAKE TIME TO RECOVER FROM THAT.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOL SYSTEMS, AND MAKE SURE TO SUPPORT THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GO INTO THE TEACHING PROFESSION.

>> CLEARLY, THERE IS A LOT OF RECOVERY FROM THOSE LOST YEARS POINT TANISHA, DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION OUT THERE IN CHAMPAIGN?

>> WE CERTAINLY DO.

WE HAVE A SENIOR, KARSON GORDY HERE, HE HAS OTHER QUESTION ABOUT STUDENT LOANS.

>> YES, SO, BIDEN TRIED TO FORGIVE A $10,000 AND THE LOANS, BUT PLENTY OF STUDENTS STILL HAVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DEBT.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC STEPS YOU WOULD TAKE AS SENATOR TO TRY TO LOWER THE COST OF TUITION OR TRY TO FIND ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF EDUCATION, LIKE TRADE SCHOOLS OR OTHER SETTINGS WHERE PEOPLE CAN STILL GO TO SCHOOL AND HAD A GOOD CAREER AFTERWARD?

>> KATHY SULLY, WE WANT TO ADDRESS THAT YOU, BECAUSE THE SENATOR DUCKWORTH KIND OF ALREADY COVERED IT.

B, TRADE SCHOOLS, MORE INCENTIVES?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I TOURED ON FRIDAY THIS GREAT PROGRAM CALLED LIFT IN -- AN ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL.

IT SERVES SEVEN COUNTIES.

I THINK IT IS A MODEL FOR TEACHING TECHNICAL TRADES TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

THEY DON'T EVEN CALL THE TEACHERS TEACHERS, THEY CALL THEM FACILITATORS.

I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THIS PROGRAM.

I THINK THIS IS WHAT WE NEED STATEWIDE.

I AM ALSO A BIG FAN OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

KIDS CAN GO AND DETERMINE WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO DO, AND PICK UP SKILLS, AND LEAVE COLLEGE WITH -- TUITION IS TOO HIGH, AT STUDENTS ARE BEING SHORTCHANGED IN THE CLASSROOM FROM ELEMENTARY TO SECONDARY.

THIS IS A PROBLEM.

IF YOU DO NOT WILL DO NOT BUILD OUR WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE, WE ARE SHORTCHANGING OUR LORDS AND MASTERS.

SENATOR DUCKWORTH -- I WILL TELL YOU ONE THING SHE DID WITH THAT $1.9 TRILLION SPENDING " GOGGLE".

YOU SAID IT GOES TO THE SCHOOL, BUT IT "DOES NOT.

YOU HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP PPP FUNDS FROM PRISONERS, PROBATIONERS AND PAROLEES, AND YOU VOTED AGAINST THAT.

YOU VOTED IN FAVOR OF THOSE WHO MAROTTA AND MICHIGAN AVENUE AND BROKE -- BUSINESSES.

THERE IS A BILL THAT CAME BEFORE THE CONGRESS -- BEFORE THE SENATE THAT WOULD DISALLOW PEOPLE WHO COMMITTED THOSE CRIMES FROM RECEIVING SCA LOANS.

YOU VOTED AGAINST THAT.

SO, I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE MONEY WENT.

LOOK AT OUR SCHOOLS.

OUR KIDS ARE BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL.

YOU VOTED -- IN FACT, WHEN YOU ARE GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE TO OPEN THE SCHOOLS, EVERY SINGLE BILL THAT CAME BEFORE YOU, YOU VOTED AGAINST.

THAT IS NOT SOMETHING WE SHOULD PRESERVE IN ILLINOIS.

YOU SHORTCHANGED KIDS, TAXPAYERS AND MIDDLE AMERICA WITH THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT YOU PASS .75% OF NEW TAXES TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THOSE EARNING 200,000 OR LESS.

THAT IS INSANITY.

THAT IS WHY I AM RUNNING.

>> VERY QUICK RESPONSE, SENATOR DUCKWORTH.

>> ONE, TWO, FOR THE PPP -- I BELIEVE YOUR LAW FIRM TOOK $200,000 OF PPP FUNDS -- APPLIED FOR FORGIVENESS, SO YOU NEVER PAY THOSE BACK.

I THINK IT IS CRITICAL.

I SUPPORTED YOUR LAW FROM GETTING PPP FUNDS.

I THINK IT IS CRITICAL TO ASK FOR LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR LAW FORM, BUT NOT FOR STUDENTS.

AS FAR AS THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, FOR EXAMPLE, 1.8 ALIEN DOLLARS IN THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN, WHICH MONEY IS ALLOWING THEM TO REOPEN, PROVIDE SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR THEIR KIDS.

I ALSO WANT TO NOTE THAT SHE KEEPS MISTAKING STATE DECISIONS WITH FEDERAL DECISIONS, LIKE THE DECISION TO OPEN SCHOOLS OUR STATE AND LOCAL DECISIONS, NOT FEDERAL.

BOTTOM LINE, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER WE DO IS COMMON SENSE.

THE BILLS I VOTED FOR GOT THIS COUNTRY MOVING AGAIN, GOT THE ECONOMY MOVING AGAIN , AND ALSO, THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT -- [ INAUDIBLE ] BY $500 MILLION.

>> LET'S MOVE ON TO OTHER ISSUES.

A LOT MORE TO GO.

I WANTED TO REMIND OUR VIEWERS, IN CASE YOU ARE JOINING US, I AM PARIS SCHUTZ, ALONG WITH -- FROM THE CHICAGO SOME-TIMES WOULD YOU ARE LISTENING TO AND WATCHING THAT U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE FORUM, A PARTNERSHIP -- CHICAGO SUN-, WE ARE JOINED BY SENATE CANDIDATES TAMMY DUCKWORTH AND KATHY SULLY.

LET'S TALK ABOUT ELECTION INTEGRITY.

>> I ALSO THINK I DESERVE A RESPONSE TO THAT, BECAUSE I THINK THE HYPOCRISY -- >> ELECTION INTEGRITY.

WILL EACH OF YOU CONCEDE TO THE OTHER IF YOU LOSE?

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

I WAS A UNIFORM FOR 23 YEARS, DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

A HALLMARK OF WHAT MAKES US THE GREATEST DEMOCRACY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH IS THAT WHEN YOU LOSE AN ELECTION, YOU CONCEDE.

>> OH, ABSOLUTELY.

AND AT THE PAYROLL PROTECTION, IT IS DIFFICULT TO VOTE FOR A BILL -- SMACK ELECTION INTEGRITY.

SMACK THOSE BILLS -- YOU DID TO PAY THEIR -- THANK YOU.

SENATOR DUCKWORTH, DO YOU THINK THE RESULTS OF THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WERE LEGITIMATE?

AND KATHY SULLY, DO YOU BELIEVE THE PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS OF 2020 WERE LEGITIMATE?

>> JOE BIDEN IS OUR PRESIDENT, AS SAD AS IT IS.

I AM NOT RUNNING FOR OFFICE BECAUSE DONALD TRUMP LOST, I AM RUNNING BECAUSE JOE BIDEN HAS FAILED US, AND TAMMY DUCKWORTH IS 100% RUBBERSTAMPING FOR JOE.

THAT IS WHY I BELIEVE I WILL BE ELECTED AS THE NUMBER.

>> I WANT TO MOVE ON TO SOME VERY QUICK QUESTIONS.

JUST A COUPLE WORD ANSWERS.

SMACK THE FUND SECTION.

SMACK QUESTION TO KATHY SULLY.

>> IT HAS BEEN FUN THE ENTIRE TIME.

>> KATHY, WHAT NATIONAL REPUBLICANS DO YOU ADMIRE?

>> NATIONAL REPUBLICANS I ADMIRE?

OH, SEVERAL.

THERE ARE SEVERAL LEADERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

>> WHO?

>> OH, WELL, I THINK THE FIRST REPUBLICAN LEADER I LOVE IS PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN.

THOSE ARE TWO GREAT REPUBLICANS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

I THINK WE HAVE A GREAT LEADER FROM EACH OF THEM.

PRESIDENT GRANT WAS A GREAT -- >> WHAT ABOUT CURRENT REPUBLICANS?

>> CURRENT REPUBLICANS?

I THINK OUR NEIGHBORING SENATORS TO THE EAST HAVE RUN THE STATE OF IOWA VERY WELL.

I THINK THEY WOULD BE TWO SENATORS I WOULD LOOK TO FOR DIRECTION, INASMUCH AS IOWA IS A STATE JUST VERY MUCH LIKE ILLINOIS.

IT IS RICH WITH SOIL -- >> IOWA IS TO THE WEST.

CLICK IT FOR YOU, SENATOR DUCKWORTH.

CHICAGO BEARS, SHOULD THEY STAY IN -- FEEL OR GO TO -- HEIGHTS IN -- STADIUM?

>> I THINK THEY TO GO TO ARLINGTON HEIGHTS.

MORE PEOPLE CAN GET TO IT.

I THINK THERE IS A GREATER CHANCE OF [ INAUDIBLE ] AND IT IS MY OLD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

>> AND PUBLIC SUBSIDY.

WILL THERE BE ANY -- >> YES, WITH TREMENDOUS STRINGS, SO THAT [ INAUDIBLE ] ACCOMMODATED FOR ANY SUBSIDIES .

>> KATHY AS WELL?

THE CHICAGO BEARS?

>> ARLINGTON HEIGHTS OR -- FIELD?

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE CHICAGO BEARS IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS -- IF THEY WANT TO MOVE THERE -- LET'S KEEP THE BEARS IN ILLINOIS, FOR SURE.

>> [ INAUDIBLE ] STIMULUS CHECKS?

DO THINK IT SHOULD BE ISSUED AGAIN GIVEN POSSIBLE RECESSION?

>> NO.

I TOUCH ON THAT BEFORE.

SENATOR DUCKWORTH WAS GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO PREVENT PRISONERS, PROBATIONERS AND PAROLEES FROM RECEIVING STIMULUS CHECKS, AND SHE VOTED AGAINST A BILL TO DISALLOW THAT.

>> QUINNETT FOR BOTH OF YOU.

I THINK I KNOW THE ANSWER.

DID YOU GET THE LATEST COVID VACCINES?

>> YES.

YES, I AM FULLY VACCINATED AND BOOSTED.

>> I GUESS THE BIVALENT INTERVIEWERS IN THE WAY THAT?

>> AS MI.

ANOTHER DEPARTURE OF SENATOR DUCKWORTH FOR MANDATED VACCINES AND MASKS -- BAD POLICY.

I THINK IT IS WRONG FOR ANYBODY, PARTICULARLY SOMEONE IN ELECTED OFFICE, TO COME BETWEEN A DOCTOR AND -- EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF ABORTION.

>> MANDATED VACCINES AND MASKS?

>> NOT TRUE.

AGAIN, THESE ARE LOCAL ISSUES.

-- MAYBE SHE IS RUNNING FOR LOCAL OR STATE OFFICE.

THOSE ARE NOT FEDERAL LAWS.

>> -- FEDERAL WORKERS, -- HAD TO CLARIFY -- >> LET ME JUST SAY THAT MASKING AND VACCINES KEPT MANY PEOPLE SAFE IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE PANDEMIC WHEN OUR HOSPITALS WERE COLLAPSING.

WE NEEDED TO HAVE MASKING BEFORE WE HAD THE VACCINE, AND THE VACCINES ARE HELPING TO SAVE LIVES EVERY SINGLE DAY.

>> THOSE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE QUICK HITS, THEY WERE MORE LIKE MEDIUM HITS.

LET'S GO BACK TO CHAMPAIGN , WHERE I KNOW THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT AGRICULTURE.

TANISHA?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

NOW A QUESTION BY ROGER SY, WHO LIVES IN THE AREA.

ROGER, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHERE YOU FARM, AND ASK YOUR QUESTION.

>> I FARM CENTRAL ILLINOIS, ABOUT THREE MILES SOUTH OF CHAMPAIGN .

I WANT TO THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING WITH US AND GIVING US THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS AND BE WITH YOU.

IN 2023, WE ARE GOING TO START WRAPPING UP OUR EFFORTS TO WRITE A NEW FARM BILL.

CROP INSURANCE , CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, EXPORT MARKETS ARE ALL VERY IMPORTANT PARTS OF IT, AS WELL AS MANY OTHER ITEMS.

I WONDER IF BOTH OF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON WHAT REALLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, OR YOU THINK NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, WHEN WE START TALKING ABOUT [ INAUDIBLE ] >> KATHY SULLY, LESTER WITH YOU ON THE FARM BILL.

>> I WILL TELL YOU, I HAVE OFTEN SAID, WHEN I WENT DOWN -- FARMERS RESELL THE COALITION, THEY HAVE MY EAR.

WE ARE GOING TO LOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE SERVING ON THE COMMITTEE.

I WILL ASK TO BE ON THAT COMMITTEE -- AS SENATOR.

I COULD DO A GREAT DEAL OF GOOD.

SO, WHY ACCEPT CRUMBS FROM THE DEMOCRAT TABLE WHEN YOU COULD GET A FULL COURSE MEAL FROM SELBY?

THAT IS MY DEAL FOR FARMERS.

WHAT WE NEED FOR FARMERS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OUR FARMERS.

EVERY BUSINESS -- ONE QUARTER OF OUR ECONOMY HERE IN ILLINOIS.

THE DEMOCRAT POLICIES ARE HURTING OUR FARMERS, FROM THE DEATH TAX -- THERE IS NOT A TAX TAMMY DUCKWORTH HAS NOT VOTED FOR -- BUT WE NEED TO DO IS REDUCE THE TAX BURDEN -- NOT ONLY FORMS OF AGRIBUSINESS BUT ALSO SMALL BUSINESS, ALL PEOPLE IN THE STATE THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM A SELBY CENTIPEDE IN THE IN ADDITION TO THAT, SENATOR DUCKWORTH IS FOR PROPOSITION 12, WHICH WILL BASICALLY PUT OUR [ INAUDIBLE ] OUT OF BUSINESS.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, SHE IS OKAY WITH REDEFINING -- THE WATERS OF THE USA.

SHE WOULD LIKE EPA INTERVENTION ON WHERE DRAINAGE AND RUNOFF ON OUR FARMERS -- >> SENATOR, WE HAVE TO GET YOU IN HERE.

>> I HAVE ALREADY STARTED NEGOTIATING WITH AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON THE NEW BILL.

A COUPLE -- TOP LIBRARY IS MAKING SURE WE REINSTATE CROP INSURANCE, SO FARMERS HAVE A WAY TO HELP THEM SELVES.

CROP INSURANCE IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS WE CAN DO FOR FARMERS.

WE ALSO NEED TO RECOGNIZE THAT OUR AGRICULTURE SECTOR IS NOT JUST ABOUT FOOD.

HOWEVER CULTURE SECTOR IS ALSO ENERGY.

IN FACT, ILLINOIS IS LEADING THE NATION IN ETHANOL AND BIOFUEL PRODUCTION.

IT IS WHAT I PUT IN TO NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET MONEY TO DEVELOP BIOFUEL, BIODIESEL FOR AVIATION FUEL.

IN FACT, IN ILLINOIS, WE CAN NOW PROVIDE NET CARBON NEUTRAL FUELS BECAUSE OF THE STRENGTH OF OUR FARM SECTOR AT PRODUCING ETHANOL.

IT IS SO POWERFUL, IN FACT, THAT WE JUST SIGNED A DEAL WITH LG INDUSTRIES, THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE WASHING MACHINES AND REFRIGERATORS.

THEY ARE NOW -- IN ILLINOIS AT PRODUCING BIO PLASTICS OUT OF WASTE FROM ETHANOL PRODUCTION, WHICH IS NOW MOVING OUR ENERGY PRODUCTION TO NET CARBON NEGATIVE, ATTRACTING MORE INDUSTRY.

OUR AGRICULTURE SECTOR IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT NOT JUST FOR FEEDING OUR NATION TODAY, BUT FOR FUELING OUR NATION AND THE WORLD TOMORROW.

>> WE HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION IN CHAMPAIGN.

TANISHA?

>> MAY I RESPOND TO THAT?

>> NOW JOINED WITH FIRST-YEAR [ INAUDIBLE ] STUDENT ALEXI [ INAUDIBLE ] AGRICULTURE [ INAUDIBLE ] ON THE CAMPUS OF [ INAUDIBLE ] SHE HAS A QUESTION.

>> HI, I HAVE [ INAUDIBLE ] THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD BALANCE [ INAUDIBLE ] SUSTAINABLE FARMING WITH LIKELIHOODS THIS WILL INCREASE FOOD COSTS TO THE CONSUMER.

>> ALL RIGHT, KATHY SELBY?

>> FIRST OF ALL , THE ENERGY DRIVES OUR ECONOMY.

THE FACT THAT DIESEL FUEL -- A FARMER IN LOGAN COUNTY THAT HE SPENT ENERGY, OIL DRILLING HAS IMPERILED OUR ECONOMY AND PUT A HUGE BURDEN ON EVERY SINGLE ONE OF OUR FARMERS.

THE -- TO FARMERS IS NEARLY DOUBLE WHAT IT WAS TWO YEARS AGO.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE WERE A 40% NUCLEAR ENERGY EXPORTER TWO YEARS AGO, NOW WE ARE A 40% NUCLEAR ENERGY IMPORTER.

I BELIEVE IN RENEWABLES.

WE NEED TO WORK TOWARD THEM, BUT YOU DON'T THROW THE BABY AWAY WITH THE BATHWATER.

OUR ECONOMY CANNOT SUSTAIN ITSELF.

WE ARE 12 TO 15% DEPENDENT ON RENEWABLES.

I THINK THE ENERGY POLICY FROM JOE BIDEN AND TAMMY DUCKWORTH IS COMPLETELY IRRESPONSIBLE , AND IT IS WHAT IS DRIVING UP THE COST OF LIVING, BOTH AT THE GAS TANK AND THE GROCERY STORE.

FOR >> WE HAVE A RELATED QUESTION ON ENERGY POLICY.

WE DO HAVE TO MOVE ON -- SMACK -- THE ACTUAL QUESTION ABOUT THE COST OF AGRICULTURE INCREASING?

>> SUSTAINABLE -- >> INCREASING -- >> WE NEED AN ALL OF THE ABOVE ENERGY POLICY.

THAT WILL BE A NUMBER ONE PRIORITY NEXT YEAR.

>> LET'S MOVE ON TO A TWITTER QUESTION THAT WE GOT.

HOW CAN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGE MORE OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND INCREASED OIL REFINERY CAPACITY?

I WILL ADD TO THIS QUESTION, SENATOR DUCKWORTH, SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGE SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT ALL OF THE ABOVE ENERGY POLICIES.

IN FACT, I HAVE WORKED VERY HARD TO SUPPORT [ INAUDIBLE ] NATIONAL LABORATORY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BETTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE NUCLEAR FUEL, TO MAKE SURE IT IS [ INAUDIBLE ] WE CAN REUSE NUCLEAR FUEL.

ILLINOIS IS A MAJOR ENERGY STATE, WE HAVE TO LEAD THE WORLD.

IS WHAT I WAS ABLE TO PUSH FOR AND GET ALMOST $2 MILLION IN RESEARCH FUNDING FOR CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION TO LOOK AT TAKING THE EXCESS CARBON WE PRODUCE THROUGH NATURAL GAS, THROUGH COAL, AND TAKE THAT CARBON AND PUT IT INTO THE EARTH AND A SAFER WAY, AND DEVELOP TECHNOLOGY FOR CLEAN COAL, SO WE CAN ACTUALLY LEAD THE WORLD.

I WOULD RATHER DEVELOP THAT TECHNOLOGY HERE THAN OVERSEAS.

BIODIESEL, THE COST OF DIESEL FUEL HAS DONE OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE THAN REGULAR FUEL.

ONE WAY WE CAN BRING COST DOWN IS MORE BIODIESEL, BECAUSE IT STRETCHES THE DIESEL THAT IS AVAILABLE.

WE ALSO NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER WE DO IN TERMS OF SETTING A STANDARD FOR THE FUTURE, WE ARE AGNOSTIC AND HOW WE GO FORWARD.

-- WHATEVER THAT IS, 2035, 2045, WHATEVER THAT IS.

THEN, IF WE ARE GOING TO SUBSIDIZE WIND, LIKE WE DID IN ILLINOIS, WE NOW HAVE 100,000 JOBS IN WIND, WE SHOULD SUBSIDIZE CLEAN COAL, CARBON SEQUESTRATION, WE SHOULD SUBSIDIZE BIOFUEL, SIMILARLY.

LET THE MARKETPLACE DO ITS JOB TO GET US TO THAT CARBON NEUTRAL FUTURE.

>> -- ALL OF THE ABOVE STRATEGY.

WE HAVE TO GO TO LITTLE VILLAGE NOW, BECAUSE MICHAEL FUENTE HAS ONE MORE QUESTION AND LITTLE VILLAGE.

MICHAEL, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT ?

>> THANK YOU, PARIS.

BACK AT THE -- COMMUNITY CHURCH IN THE LITTLE VILLAGE AREA -- JUSTICE REFORM IS ON THE MIND OF THE MEMBERS HERE.

WE HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION.

>> YES, MY NAME IS JOSE PIZARRO, I AM DIRECTOR OF INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR [ INAUDIBLE ] INC. MY QUESTION IS RELATED TO THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

MY INTERVENTION NAVIGATOR [ INAUDIBLE ] IN THE SCHOOL MENTORING YOUNG PEOPLE, IN THE SPACE.

WITH THE NEW POLICY, THEY HAVE BASICALLY BEEN FORCED OUT, BECAUSE SOME OF THEM CANNOT PASS THE INTENSE BACKGROUND CHECK THAT CPS CURRENTLY HAS IN PLACE.

SO, MY QUESTION IS, WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS CHALLENGE?

IS THERE GOING TO BE SOME KIND OF EXCEPTION TO THE RULE FOR THE BACKGROUND CHECKS TO ALLOW THESE MENTORS BACK INTO THE SCHOOLS?

>> -- CHICAGO QUESTION.

>> THAT IS A CITY OF CHICAGO QUESTION.

I GUESS THE BROADER QUESTION IS FOLKS GETTING BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE, OR GETTING BACK INTO JOBS LIKE SCHOOLS THAT CANNOT SURVIVE A BACKGROUND CHECK.

>> WELL, TAMMY DUCKWORTH HAS SUPPORTED , I MENTIONED EARLIER, LORI LIGHTFOOT IN HER BID FOR RE-ELECTION TO THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

WE HAVE SEEN, UNDER HER LEADERSHIP, THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE HURTING.

THEY WERE HURTING WITH THE LOCKDOWN, AND THEY ARE NOT SAFE PLACES FOR THE KIDS, THE KIDS ARE NOT LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM.

IN ADDITION, THE STREETS OF CHICAGO ARE UNSAFE.

ONE REASON WHY I RECEIVED THE UNANIMOUS ENDORSEMENT OF THE ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, EVERY POLICE AGENCY.

WE NEED TO MAKE CHICAGO WORK FOR COPS AGAIN.

FOR ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE, I HAVE BEEN WORKING TO MAKE INNER-CITY KIDS HAVE BETTER EDUCATION.

I SERVED ON -- BOARD OF THE MIDTOWN EDUCATION FOUNDATION FOR MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE, I HAVE LIVED [ INAUDIBLE ] WHEN I WAS A COLLEGE STUDENT IN THE LAND.

I AM WEDDED TO MAKING SURE THAT KIDS WHO ARE AVERAGE KIDS FROM THE CITY OF CHICAGO GET THEIR EDUCATION.

OUR PROGRAM, MID TOWN , BOASTS A 98% PASS RATE FOR THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

IT IS A WINNING PROGRAM.

INSOFAR AS HELPING KIDS , I CAME UP WITH A GREAT IDEA, A PLAN, WE NEED CONGRESSIONAL DOLLARS PUT INTO OUR SCHOOLS, SO WE CAN HAVE READING AND MATH SPECIALISTS HELP OUR KIDS CATCH UP.

>> WE ARE GOING TO LEAVE LITTLE VILLAGE FOR NOW.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND WE HAVE SOME NATIONAL ORIENTED QUESTIONS.

YOU QUICKLY -- >> I WOULD LOVE TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

-- FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO -- ELECTION LAST YEAR -- WE ARE HERE TO TALK ABOUT NOVEMBER.

I DID VOTE FOR A BILL THAT PUT MONEY BACK INTO OUR SCHOOLS [ INAUDIBLE ] AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN.

BUT [ INAUDIBLE ] TO TALK ABOUT [ INAUDIBLE ], MAKING SURE WE TALK ABOUT [ INAUDIBLE ] WHO ARE LEAVING CONGRESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS, WHO HAVE A PATH SO THEY DO NOT END UP IN JAIL AGAIN.

[ INAUDIBLE ] WE CAN DO IS PROVIDE THEM WITH TRAINING WHILE INCARCERATED, SO [ INAUDIBLE ] HAVE I.D.

CARDS.

MANY OF THEM ARE LET OUT OF RESIN WITH NO I.D.

CARD.

IT IS WHY I WORK VERY HARD TO MAKE SURE WHEN VETERANS ARE INCARCERATED THAT [ INAUDIBLE ] A VETERANS I.D.

CARD, SO WHEN THEY LEAVE, THEY ACTUALLY HAVE THEMSELVES SOME PROOF, SOME IDENTIFICATION, SO THEY CAN START APPLYING FOR JOBS.

WE NEED TO PROVIDE MORE TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR THOSE FOLKS.

I DON'T SUPPORT LOWERING ANY TYPE OF BACKGROUND CHECK STANDARDS.

BUT I DO THINK THERE ARE WAYS TO HELP FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS BECOME PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY, BUT YOU HAVE TO START HELPING THEM WHILE THEY ARE INCARCERATED.

>> QUESTION ABOUT NATIONAL POLITICS TO KATHY SELBY.

DO YOU BELIEVE FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SHOULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2024?

>> I HAD TO RESPOND.

TWO OUT OF EVERY THREE AMERICAN FAMILIES IN ILLINOIS ARE HURTING.

YOU PAID SUCH A ROSY PICTURE.

I AM RUNNING BECAUSE THE [ INAUDIBLE ] IN YOUR PART OF THE COST OF THAT, AND CRIME IS OUT OF CONTROL AND YOUR PARTY IS THE CAUSE OF THAT.

AND AS FOR DONALD TRUMP, I AM SO FOCUSED ON WINNING IN NOVEMBER THAT I WILL SUPPORT WHOEVER THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE IS.

>> SENATOR DUCKWORTH, SHOULD JOE BIDEN RUN IN 2024?

>> IF HE DECIDES TO RUN, I WILL SUPPORT HIM.

>> LET'S MOVE ON TO INTERNATIONAL ISSUES.

OBVIOUSLY, UKRAINE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE, ONGOING, TALKATIVE NUCLEAR THREATS.

RUSSIAN FORCES CONSTRUCTED EXERCISES .

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD THE U.S. DO IF, INDEED, THIS THRESHOLD IS CROSSED?

IF SOME KIND OF NUKE OR DIRTY BOMB IS USED BY RUSSIA?

>> IT IS NOT -- WHAT WE ACTUALLY HAD TO COME BECAUSE IF PUTIN DOES ACTUALLY USE A DIRTY BOMB OR SOME SORT OF NUCLEAR OR BIOLOGICAL WEAPON, THE FALLOUT WOULD ACTUALLY BLOW INTO NATO COUNTRIES LIKE POLAND.

THAT MEANS ARTICLE FIVE OF THE NATO TREATY WOULD IMMEDIATELY BE ACTIVATED, WHICH REQUIRES MUTUAL DEFENSE, WHICH WOULD PULL IN THE UNITED STATES INTO THAT CONFLICT.

SO, WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP THOSE WEAPONS FROM BEING USED.

-- VERY PROUD OF THE WORK UKRAINIAN 'S ARE DOING, BECAUSE WE ACTUALLY HAVE RIGHT NOW [ INAUDIBLE ] IN UKRAINE, UP UNTIL JUST A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE RUSSIANS INVADED [ INAUDIBLE ] THE UKRAINIAN MILITARY BECAUSE WE HAVE [ INAUDIBLE ] IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, WE ALSO HAVE [ INAUDIBLE ] ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD I WAS WITH ALL THOSE YEARS.

I UNDERSTAND THIS IS REALLY ABOUT THE FACT THAT IF HE DOES DO THIS, WE WILL NOT HAVE A CHOICE.

WE WILL BE PULLED INTO THE CONFLICT.

THIS IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO KEEP RUSSIA CONSTRAINED AND ENSURE THEY DON'T USE -- >> KATHY, YOU SAID BEFORE YOU DON'T THINK THE U.S. SHOULD BE SENDING ANY MORE AID INTO UKRAINE.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE POLICY SHOULD BE?

>> I SUPPORTED THE AID WE SENT, I THOUGHT BEFORE THAT ADDITIONAL AID SHOULD BE SENT.

WE NEEDED TO MAKE SURE THE MONEY THAT WAS SENT, THE 40 BILLION WE ALLOCATED, WAS SPENT FOR THE REASON WE SENT IT, TO SUPPORT THE BRAVE AND WONDERFUL UKRAINIAN FIGHTERS.

BUT SENATOR DUCKWORTH, YOU WILL AN ANSWER TO ALL OF US.

YOU SIT ON THE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE, AND IN AUGUST 2021 , WHEN ALL OUR HEARTS WERE BROKEN, WATCHING THE FAILED AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL, AFTER COMMITTING TO THAT COUNTRY FOR 20 YEARS -- THEIR FREEDOM, YOU SAT SILENT ON THAT COMMITTEE.

YOU ARE ONE OF 100 SENATORS, AND THAT WAS AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE COUNTRY.

IT ENABLED OUR ENEMIES, AND IT SHOWED OUR ALLIES THAT WE HAVE NO -- BACK WE ARE OUT OF TIME.

>> SO, THE COMMITMENT TO WITHDRAW FROM AFGHANISTAN WAS DONE ACTUALLY BY PRESIDENT TRUMP.

-- COMMITTEE TO THAT WITHDRAWAL, IT WAS DONE POORLY.

I CAME RIGHT OUT AND SAID SO.

ON THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE.

I HAD AN EVERY THING I CAN TO SUPPORT AFGHANISTAN.

>> THAT IS ALL THE TIME WE HAVE.

THANKS TO BOTH THE CANDIDATES, TAMMY DUCKWORTH AND KATHY SELBY FOR JOINING.

>> THINK -- THANKS TO TANISHA SPADE AND OUR COLUMN COLLEAGUES AT ILLINOIS PUBLIC MEDIA, WI LL AND THE STUDIO AUDIENCE -- MICHAEL FUENTE, AND OUR AUDIENCE.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.

>> AND I AM PARIS SCHUTZ.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, THIS WAS A LOT OF FUN.

THANK YOU, CANDIDATES.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.