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📸 Credit: League of Women Voters, BATV YouTube Channel
The League of Women Voters’ Forum held February 11 at Batavia City Hall offered a closer look at two contested Republican primaries that matter locally: Illinois State Senate District 33 and U.S. Congressional District 11.
Attendees heard a short solo statement in the Senate race (after one candidate was unable to attend) and a longer, wide-ranging Q&A among three congressional candidates on everything from immigration and election rules to Social Security and electric vehicles.
Forum 1: Illinois State Senate District 33 (Republican)
Because only one candidate attended, the League used its “empty chair” policy and gave Danielle Penman three minutes to introduce herself and her priorities. The League said Jessica Breugelmans was unable to attend.
In that brief window, Penman spoke to the cost of living and taxes, called for tighter state spending (including audits to root out “fraud, waste, and abuse”), and said she would repeal the SAFE-T Act.
She also emphasized the importance of school choice and expanded career pathways like skilled trades and apprenticeships, plus called out health care access and rising costs as a major concern.
Forum 2: U.S. Congressional District 11 (Republican)
This was a full forum with opening statements, multiple questions, and closing remarks — plus some clear contrasts in tone and priorities.
Candidates participating
Tadora Brown (Republican)
Michael “Mike” Pierce (Republican)
Jeff Walter (Republican)
Here’s what to know:
Immigration and enforcement: Pierce and Walter said they’d support expanding legal immigration with conditions, while Brown said she would not support expanding legal immigration right now. On whether appearance or language should factor into stops, Walter and Brown said they didn’t think it should, while Pierce said those factors can be part of the picture.
Voting rules and the SAVE Act: All three voiced support for the SAVE Act and backed voter ID requirements, suggesting that it would help ensure only citizens vote and to strengthen confidence in elections.
Retirement age and Social Security/Medicare: All three opposed raising the retirement age in the way it was posed during the forum.
Health care, EVs, and foreign policy: All three criticized the Affordable Care Act and argued for more competition or consumer control to bring costs down; all opposed incentives for electric vehicles, leaning instead on market forces and concerns about cost and practicality.
Watch the full forum recording.
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