taff Writer

DeKALB | The Northern Star recently met with Jim Oberweis, Republican candidate for the 14th congressional district.

Northern Star: What do you feel is your strongest platform? How does it appeal to student voters?

Jim Oberweis: The economy. Student voters, like the rest of the country, look for someone to provide them with a good economy. An NIU degree is worth a lot more when there are job opportunities. I’ve spent most of my career in the financial services industry; I’ve started three mutual funds.

NS: Have your previous campaigns helped you prepare for this campaign?

JO: Yes. I didn’t know what I was doing six years ago. Being an entrepreneur, you tend to learn from your mistakes.

NS: You have been known for your strict stance on immigration and have even been called racist. What exactly is your take on immigration?

JO: It was very controversial four years ago. People did not realize the seriousness of it. I’m a mainstream leader. I believe we need to secure our borders to help reduce illegal immigrants as well as protect us against terrorists. Four years ago, the Illinois Coalition for Immigration Rights called me a commercial racist. Since then, my opponent [Sen. Chris Lauzen] has continued to repeat the charge. Two weeks ago during a debate on Total Living Network, I asked Lauzen if I was racist. He stuttered a bit and eventually said no. I’m for a fair system that follows specific rules and laws.

NS: What distinguishes you from Lauzen?

JO: He views his 15 years of serving in the senate as good experience. I think voters want people from the outside to change the system. Being in for 15 years can cloud one’s thinking; you need fresh ideas. We do agree on a lot more than we disagree on.

NS: When it comes to tax policy, how do you and Lauzen differ?

JO: He believes in “fair” taxes and thinks we should have a 30 percent national sales tax. I support the Tax Payer Choice Act because it greatly simplifies income taxes, reduces the number of brackets to two, and eliminates most deductions.

NS: Lauzen constantly criticizes you for using your own personal funds. What do you have to say to that?

JO: Lauzen fails to mention he’s a millionaire. He himself contributes hundreds of thousands of his own money to his campaign. One advantage of my providing significant funds to my own campaign is that I don’t have any political obligations, which makes it easier to vote on what I think is best for the county, state and country. Although, I have actually had over 1,500 individual contributors in my campaign, which is more than most have.

NS: What is your take on the current presidential elections?

JO: The Republican party is going to have a great candidate to beat Hillary.