Barry Wicker: Republican Primary Candidate For IL 5th Congressional District

CHICAGO — While their focus may eventually shift to November's general election, the candidates hoping to represent the state's 5th Congressional District for the next two years in Washington must first battle it out in the upcoming Illinois Primary Election.

Early voting has already begun for the March 17 election as residents of Cook and Lake counties weigh in on the race.

Illinois Congressional District 5 includes all or parts of Chicago, Inverness, Arlington Heights, Barrington Hills, Des Plaines, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Deer Park, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Long Grove, and North Barrington.

On the Democratic side, incumbent U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley is facing three challengers in his reelection bid — Matt Conroy, Ellen A. Corley and Anthony Michael Tamez. Quigley has represented the district since 2009.

In the Republican primary, Tom Hanson, Dr. Kimball Ladien and Barry Wicker will be on the ballot.

Patch recently sent out election questionnaires to the candidates. We are publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim. Here is the one we received back from Wicker:

Barry Wicker

Town of Residence: Chicago

Position Sought: Congressman 5th District

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Wife son & daughter

Education: Doctorate emeritus finance

Occupation: 10 years government international licensed financial broker, licensed union engineer 10 years.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: N/A

Campaign website: Barry Wicker for Congressman

The single most pressing issue facing our district or state is ___________, and this is what I intend to do about it:

Health care, I alien with Shriners hospital to solve this problem. I will wright policy in congress when I arrive.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I do not talk. Have a proven track record.

If you support tax cuts in Illinois, what spending should be eliminated to offset those cuts? Please be specific.

Unregistered immigrants unlawfully entered into the states.

Do you believe an inequity exists between funding for wealthy and poor schools? If so, what would you do to address the disparity?

Only what is needed should be funded!

What would you do to help constituents struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living, housing and healthcare?

Balanced to the income they receive.

Do you support redistricting in a non-census year?

Yes.

Do you support the full release of the Epstein files with the victims' names redacted? What should Congress do to pressure the DOJ into following the law with the full release of the Epstein files?

All people who touched the files should be brought to court judgments .

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in the Chicago area and beyond? Why or why not? If not, what changes do you think should be made?

Yes, it bleeds the system of residents.

Do you support the repeal of the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail? Why or why not, and do you think wealthier defendants should have an easier route to release?

No cash bail for serious offenses, equal for poor and rich.

Would you push to repeal the TRUST Act, which bars local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement? Why or why not?

They should work together. That is what they get paid to do !

Where do you agree and disagree with President Donald Trump on policy?

Just to have better diplomatic rhetoric.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will be an ambassador with all country leaders to form respect and cooperation! Most important protect the Mother Earth for if it fails, all will die!