Democratic incumbent Jan Schakowsky and Republican Dennis Driscoll face off today for Illinois' Ninth District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district includes Evanston, Skokie, Glenview and parts of Chicago's North Side.
Schakowsky was elected to fill Rep. Sidney Yates' seat in 1998 when Yates retired after almost 50 years in Congress. She currently serves on the House Banking and Financial Services and Government Reform committees.
Both candidates toe party lines on national issues. Here's a look at their views:
ABORTION
Schakowsky: Supports abortion rights
Driscoll: Opposes abortion in all cases except when a mother's life is in danger
GUN CONTROL
Schakowsky: Has supported increased gun regulation in the House, including mandatory gun registration and child-safety locks
Driscoll: Opposes further federal gun regulation, saying gun registration does not deal with the criminal aspects of gun violence
PELL GRANTS
Schakowsky: Would increase debt-free Pell grants to college students
Driscoll: Would keep Pell grants at their current levels but specify that they be given to students pursuing math or science degrees
SOCIAL SECURITY
Schakowsky: Opposes the privatization of Social Security; supports Al Gore's plan to use part of the projected budget surplus to shore up Social Security
Driscoll: Wants to use the projected surplus to privatize Social Security
EDUCATION
Schakowsky: Wants to spend part of the budget surplus on local schools; opposes school vouchers
Driscoll: Wants to give parents control of their children's education through a national school voucher system
HEALTH CARE
Schakowsky: Supports a national health care program
Driscoll: Says Americans should be free to shop for affordable health insurance that fits personal needs; thinks an income tax insurance credit would be the best solution
TAXES
Schakowsky: Voted against eliminating the marriage penalty and repealing the estate tax
Driscoll: Wants to enact a flat rate income tax, end the marriage penalty, and repeal the gift and inheritance taxes
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