By AP/KWMU
Urbana, IL – In separate debates in Chicago and Urbana yesterday, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin criticized Republican State Representative Jim Durkin for following his party's line on many issues, including a military strike against Iraq.
But Durkin says his opponent's priorities are wrong.
Durbin, who is seeking a second term, voted against a resolution authorizing the president to use military force against Iraq. He says he felt fighting alone was not the right approach. But Durkin says Americans should not have to wait to be attacked before tough decisions are made.
He says America cannot afford a long delay before ousting the Iraqi leader.
In addition to Iraq, the two expressed sharp differences on taxes. Durkin wants recent tax cuts made permanent. Durbin says they have produced deficit spending and should be allowed to expire.