In a time of division in the country, both U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, and his Republican challenger, Jerry Evans of Warrenville, want to see less bickering in Congress, though their views vary on a key issues like taxes, immigration and women’s reproductive health.
With 14 years in the US. House of Representatives, Foster said he sees less and less cooperation between the two major parties, as well as between the Senate and House, including major immigration reform early this year. It was written in bipartisan fashion.
“As soon as (former President Donald) Trump said he didn’t want it, all the Republicans scurried away,” Foster said. “We need to start having more cooperation between House and Senate Republicans and Democrats.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster stands on the floor during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
One of the reasons Evans said he is seeking a seat in Congress is he wants to help change the divisive attitude in the country, and the lack of meaningful legislation coming out of the lawmakers.
“All of us, Republicans and Democrats, want to see change, but nothing gets done,” Evans said. “We have to find common ground together.”
Voters in Volvo and Wauconda in Lake County, as well as parts of seven other counties, will choose between Foster and Evans to represent them in the 11th Congressional District of the U.S. House of Representatives in the Nov. 5 general election.
Operating a music school in Wheaton with 15 instructors teaching hundreds of students in a variety of genres, Evans, 40, said another reason he is running for Congress is because of a commitment he feels to his children and their peers.
“We really do have a lot of hope and promise in our country,” he said, “I want to make sure the next generation has a better future.”
First elected to Congress in a special election to replace then Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Yorkville, Foster, 69, served the 14th District for a term, was defeated in 2010 and then ran successfully against for the 11th District seat defeating then Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale. He is seeking his eighth term overall.
Republican Congressional candidate Jerry Evans. (Jerry Evans campaign)
When the 119th Congress convenes in January, Foster said one of the first things the members must do is decide whether to extend the changes to the income tax laws passed in 2017 which are set to expire at the end of next year. Each specific provision needs its own review.
“They led to an increase in the national debt, and most of it went to the top 2% of the taxpayers,” Foster said. “We want to take a look at the corporate tax rate. The aim is to make the economy work better.”
Generally opposed to increasing taxes, Evans said the most important issue facing the country is curbing inflation. More taxes do the opposite. He is willing to have discussions to learn other points of view.
“We need to focus on decreasing inflation, and increasing taxes does not do that,” he said. “We need to keep taxes lower to do that. I do not want to raise taxes on the lowest (earners). We can address some adjustments.”
Immigration is another issue where Foster and Evans hold different views. Evans wants to see a secure border, and an elimination of the current policy where people come into the country seeking asylum and remain for a long period of time awaiting a decision from a judge.
“I want to get rid of catch-and-release, where they get a court date way down the road,” Evans said. “We need to secure the southern border and build a wall. We need more funding for the border patrol.”
Since he joined Congress, Foster said he has seen two bipartisan bills pass the Senate and never get a vote in the House. Both would have had the votes to pass. Then there was the bill Trump dissuaded the Republicans from approving.
“It would have passed by 30 votes,” Foster said, referring to the Senate-approved bill which did not get a House vote. “It gave a path to citizenship to anyone who served in the military.”
Reducing gun violence is another area where the two candidates want something done, but see different ways to accomplish it. Foster wants to start by requiring universal background checks and a nationwide ban on assault weapons.
“This is common-sense gun reform,” Foster said, referring to background checks and an assault weapons ban. “The majority of Americans want it, but groups like the NRA have gotten very deep into some Republican pockets.”
Before committing to a position on universal background checks and an assault weapons ban, Evans said he wants to know more about the specific legislation. He will read the proposed law and make a decision. There are some things he thinks are needed now.
“We need to make sure there is funding for school safety, like police school resource officers and secure entrances,” Evans said. “We need more focus on restorative justice. We need to get to the root of the problem.”
Stressing he is personally opposed to women getting abortions, Evans said pregnant women should have counseling available to know their options. Parental notification is a must.
Foster sees the issue of abortion as part of women’s reproductive freedom. Women should be free to make decisions about their own bodies, he said.
Early voting is underway at 18 locations throughout Lake County. Any registered voter can cast their ballot at any of those sites. Vote-by-mail ballots can be placed in the mail or appropriate drop boxes.