Walker, Vrett Square Off In 53rd House District Forum - Journal & Topics Media Group

"Subjects discussed via questions sent in by audience members, and in advance of the forum, ranged from taxes and inflation to abortion in the context of religion, to gun violence, crime, the SAFE-T Act, to homelessness."

"Subjects discussed via questions sent in by audience members, and in advance of the forum, ranged from taxes and inflation to abortion in the context of religion, to gun violence, crime, the SAFE-T Act, to homelessness."

"Vrett echoed GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey saying, "Dobbs (the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs. Wade and sending decisions on abortion back to the states), did not change anything in Illinois.""

"Vrett called the task force Walker was a part of "a sham" and claimed Walker supported tax increases and the failed state referendum to institute a graduated income tax, rather than the current flat tax, in Illinois."

This is a negative sentiment.

"In summing up their positions in closing statements, Walker said he is proud of the progress Illinois has made in the last four years, saying there should be a focus on the state's strengths."

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"Walker said he saw what military weapons can do in Vietnam and said those weapons "have no place in our civil society.""

This is a negative sentiment.

"Vrett echoed GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey saying, "Dobbs (the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs. Wade and sending decisions on abortion back to the states), did not change anything in Illinois.""

This is a negative sentiment.

"On the proposed Illinois Constitutional Workers Rights Amendment referendum question on the ballot, Walker said, similar to Illinois legislation protecting a woman's right to an abortion, the workers' rights amendment would "act as a backstop if federal legislation undercuts the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board)."nn"

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"The two candidates were mostly well-behaved during the forum, with Gaby only having to stop Walker once from interrupting Vrett."

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"nnOn abortion, both Walker and Vrett said they were Catholics, but hold different stances on the issue."

This is a negative sentiment.

"Discussing gun violence, both Walker and Vrett harkened back to their experiences in the military."

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"nnWalker said he is pro-choice, not wanting the government to intrude on a woman's decision."

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"Walker called for more affordable housing and more programming."

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"Vrett served in Afghanistan and Walker in Vietnam.nn"

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"State Rep. Mark Walker (D-53rd) and his Republican opponent attorney Jack Vrett squared off in an hour-long League of Women Voters candidates forum via Zoom before an audience of about 50 on Wednesday, Oct. 19."

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"When asked about residents leaving Illinois because of high taxes, Walker said he was part of a state task force to bring more transparency to the process when local taxing bodies go to referendum claiming to need more money than they are able to levy due to tax cap laws."

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"Screenshots of Jack Vrett (left) and State Rep. Mark Walker (right) in their 53rd House candidate forum organized by the League of Women Voters."

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"Walker also said he served on the board of Journeys: The Road Home, a Palatine-based organization that works to prevent homelessness in the North and Northwest suburbs."

This is a negative sentiment.

"Walker said, "The homeless (in our area) are from here.""

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