DANVILLE — Two of the Democratic candidates hoping to take a Republican-held congressional seat laid out their plans of action Monday in Danville.
Democrat candidates Jennifer Todd and Randy Raley are both running against each other in the primary to secure a spot on the ballot to challenge current 15th District Representative Mary Miller, a Republican. In total, there are four Democratic candidates running for the seat: Todd, Raley, Paul Davis, and Kyle Nudo.
During the Vermilion County Democratic Party monthly meeting, both Todd and Raley expressed their viewpoints with Zoom participation as well as in person.
A few community members spoke out during the question-and-answer session with the candidates.
Connie Ostrander, appearing by Zoom, voiced her concerns about Miller’s response to constituents’ questions.
“This lady doesn’t give anybody the time of day, and when I see her on TV, she looks like she’s just trying to be a Barbie doll or something,” Ostrander said. “She really needs to be for us, and I haven’t seen that out of her at all, especially when it comes to our farmers.”
“That is one of the reasons why I am running is to be able to do that change and bring things back to the district, how it’s supposed to be,” Todd said. “My big thing is, you know what? I’m for this district. I’m representing this district. This district comes first.’’
Another audience member commented that they have been able to place calls to Miller’s office, as she called them daily to request Miller to join Robin Kelly’s office in impeaching Kristi Noem.
Raley’s talking points were similar to Todd’s in what is needed for the 15th District.
Raley implied Miller has not, in his opinion, been there for the community following job losses like the recent Hyster-Yale move.
“Did she even show up in the district and say, like, find out what’s going on? What’s behind this?” Raley questioned. “Mary Miller is a coward. There’s nothing other than that. She looks out for her interests. She looks out for her rich friend’s interest.”
Miller did not send out any statements or post anything on her Facebook regarding the departure of Hyster-Yale from Danville, which took around 200 jobs.
Raley is also a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, while Miller has been a staunch proponent.
“I have five grandchildren, absolutely terrified about their future,” Raley said. “I got a couple of my grandkids that identify with the LGBTQ+ community.”
Raley closed by stating there will be a protest with his campaign at an upcoming event for Miller’s campaign at Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur on Feb. 4
Both Raley and Todd shared ways they want to change the way the Veterans Affairs is run.
“If you have an honorable discharge, you should automatically be in the VA,” Todd said. “You shouldn’t have to give 10 years’ worth of bank statements and different things to be able to get services from the VA, and that’s one of the things that I want to change.”
Raley said of his plan, “If doctors come out of medical school, and they’re in debt, put them to work for the VA and pay off their loan.” He continued with, “you [doctor] sign a contract to come to Danville for three and a half years or four years. At the end of the four years, your school loans are paid off.”
Raley reasoned that doing this would bring “talented people into rural America.”
The primary election is March 17, with early voting starting on Feb. 4.