Northern Public Radio - Durbin, Oberweis Squared Off On Ebola, Jobs, Taxes In Wednesday's Debate

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U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Republican challenger Jim Oberweis sparred Wednesday over who has the best plan to create jobs and improve the lives of Illinois residents.

Durbin says he wants to provide company tax incentives and affordable health care. Oberweis says he knows how to create jobs.

Durbin raised a question about Oberweis's residency. At issue is the fact that the Sugar Grove Republican's wife has a home in Florida.

"He may be the first Illinois state senator on record who claims residency in Illinois to run for state senate but claims a residency in Florida for tax purposes. I think he may have set a new standard here."
--- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
Oberweis says that's just smooth talk from a veteran politician.

"People like Senator Durbin are much smoother talkers than I will ever be and they'll distort those positions just like he's attempted to do with my home, where I've lived for 37 years, and never, ever said that's not my permanent address."
--- Republican challenger Jim Oberweis
The candidates also differed on how the U.S. should deal with travelers from Ebola-effected countries. It became a local issue after a child who came to Chicago from Liberia tested negative for the virus.

Oberweis said he'd support restricted travel.

"It seems to me our government should have weeks ago established visa limits for those three countries and much more careful travel restrictions from those three countries."
--- Republican challenger Jim Oberweis
Durbin said people would take advantage of layovers to get to the U.S.

"And then the disease spreads. I think the surveillance over passengers boarding and coming off of planes is the right approach."
--- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
The candidates also differed on immigration reform and the future of the Affordable Care Act.

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