Candidate visits Monmouth campus

By: Andrea Emery
News Editor

On Nov. 3 at 12:30 p.m. in the Highlander Room, the College Democrats hosted a discussion led by Phil Hare, candidate for Congress in the 17th district. The discussion was led by senior political science major Silvia Fabela.

Hare, originally from Galesburg, now resides in Rock Island, Ill. Friday, only three days before the election, Hare was taking time to share his platform with Monmouth College students and various community members.

The discussion was informally presented to a group of between 15 and 20 people at certain times. Hare began the discussion with a short biography and continued on about his stance on several issues.

“My goal is to make lives in this district better,” Hare said. He continued, “I came from a middle-class working family. I met Lane Evans in 1980, and worked for him from 1983 until last summer, when he stepped down from his position as congressman of the 17th district. I haven’t changed jobs a lot, but I’ve worked hard and I think that has made me a better person.”

Several issues Hare wanted to touch upon included education, labor and war.

Hare then opened the floor to anyone with questions. Members of the open forum learned Hare’s stance on several other issues, including globalization, social security and support for America’s troops in Iraq.

Hare also shared his view on illegal immigration, stating that if elected, he would work hard to double or even triple border guards, work to deport illegal felons and work hard to punish corporations recruiting illegal aliens.

Hare also plans to push for a timeframe to bring troops home from the Middle East. He stated that United States’ military spending is close to if not greater than all other industrialized countries combined. He wants to bring America’s troops home and bring them home soon.

Hare will also push for greater negotiation between our leaders and other leaders around the country.

“If you don’t negotiate, you won’t get anything done,” Hare stated.

Hare is also concerned with the environment. He thinks the U.S. needs to lead by example and eventually become oil-free. This, Hare said, could only come true if a real energy policy is created. Hare believes the shift from dependence on foreign oil will be both cheaper in the long run and create independence in the United States.

According to Silvia Fabela, president of College Democrats, “We volunteered on his campaign all semester and we thought it would be a good idea if he could come to MC so that voters could have a chance to come meet him and basically interview him before they voted. We had a lot of people from Monmouth come. This was exciting because they are the ones who went out and voted on Tuesday.”

Following the discussion at Monmouth College Friday, Phil Hare was elected to the United States Congress, representing the 17th district. Congrats to Congressman Hare and all his supporters. Hare promised last Friday to make a difference as the area’s congressional representative. May all issues of concern be improved with the leadership of Congressman Phil Hare.