In the primary
election on Tuesday, May 8, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky will face a challenge
for the Democrat nomination for the 1st District seat from Larry Chubb and
Antonio (Tony) Daggett Sr. The Chesterton Tribune invited all to
respond to a brief candidate questionnaire.
The Tribune
set word limits for each question and reserved the right to edit for length.
(1) For Visclosky:
Age, residence, terms in office: 68; Gary; 17 terms.
For Chubb and
Daggett: Age, residence, occupation:
Chubb: 61;
Chesterton; business owner/attorney.
Daggett: 58;
Hammond; retired Army colonel and district superintendent.
(2) For Visclosky:
What specifically national priorities would you pursue, if re-elected to
Congress? (100 words): First, I am committed to continuing to grow our
regional economy by defending American steelworkers and ushering in new
manufacturing and technology industries into our regional economy. Second,
we must continue to invest in transformational projects for our region that
attract new people and businesses to our region, including improvements in
public access to our lakeshore and the expansion and recapitalization of the
South Shore Rail Line. Third, as the Ranking Democrat on the House
Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I will continue to do all I can to
fight to keep our nation safe.
For Chubb and
Daggett: What specific national priorities would you pursue, if elected to
Congress? (100 words)
Chubb: I would
actively pursue Medicare for all, a $15 minimum wage, and challenging the
corruption of Congress by massive corporate, PAC, and special interest
contributions. Visclosky will accept about $1 million in contributions in
just the current two-year election cycle, most of them from large
corporations, military defense contractors, PACs, and special interest
groups. Many individual contributions are from Republicans. The result is
the lower and middle class have been left behind. Our Representative in
Congress, especially in the majority Democrat 1st District, should have the
courage to demand action on Medicare for all and a $15 minimum wage.
Daggett: To
increase job opportunities for constituents a congressperson must be
transparent about their priorities and why those priorities are important.
In the case of my opponent, he has been neither transparent about his
priorities nor has he shared why he is so willing to cater to the richest
constituents at the expense of others. Unlike Rep. Visclosky, who has
refused to publicly debate the issues, ignoring the LWV request, my
transparent priorities would be to bolster the middle class by increasing
federal educational spending and creating an attractive workforce for the
next Amazon search for a new headquarters location.
(3) Given the
ongoing disintegration of the center, as voters move increasingly hard right
or left, what future do you see for bipartisanship, comity, and civility in
American politics? (100 words)
Visclosky: I
have a proven record of working with both political parties on initiatives
to create a better future for Northwest Indiana. For example, through
bipartisan Congressional cooperation, I have introduced legislation and made
progress to rename the Indiana dunes as our state’s first national park.
I’ve also have worked with state and local officials from both parties to
support investments in the recapitalization and expansion of the South Shore
Rail Line. I believe through discussion, understanding, and support for all
individuals, there remain countless opportunities for continued examples of
success that are rooted in bipartisanship, comity, and civility.
Chubb: The
reality is that Republicans in Congress have moved far to the right and
Democrats have moved to the center and center right. That said, there is
clearly a gap and little bipartisanship or civility. I believe the primary
cause is the influence of unlimited contributions from PACs and special
interests that do not represent the interests of those in the middle and
lower class. Democrats have become fearful and less committed to historic
Democrat principles.
Daggett: I,
along with several other national leaders from various walks of life, would
lead a national discussion on social and racial justice as it currently
exists in the United States of America. An honest, open, and transparent
dialog on the issues of racial and social justice would stir the American
conscience and highlight the unity of our nation upon which our existence
ultimately depends. Abraham Lincoln understood this reality.