Sixty-three Illinois candidates for public office responded to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's (AFC) 2004 candidate survey. More than three-quarters of respondents indicated strong support for AFC's positions. Download the full report at www.aidschicago.org .
Most respondents endorsed efforts to expand access to healthcare programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. They also expressed support for comprehensive, science-based sexuality education in schools.
Most federal candidates supported increased research into new HIV prevention technology and expanded public benefits for people with HIV/AIDS. Among candidates seeking state elected office, there was strong support for HIV education and outreach within correctional facilities.
In addition to the survey, AFC invited U.S. Senate candidates Albert J. Franzen (I), Alan Keyes (R), Jerry Kohn (L), and Barack Obama (D) to submit statements on their HIV/AIDS positions. Only State Senator Obama responded.
About the survey: AFC asked congressional candidates 16 questions on healthcare, disease prevention, research, public benefits, immigration, anti-discrimination policies, and housing. AFC asked candidates running for the Illinois General Assembly 11 questions regarding healthcare, disease prevention, corrections, and housing. Candidates were asked to answer 'yes', 'no' or 'don't know' to HIV/AIDS policy questions. Only races in which one or more candidate responded to the survey are included in the report. Each election year, AFC surveys candidates on AIDS-related policies and publishes the results to educate voters and the general public. AFC is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates for public office.
President Bush's and Senator Kerry's public records on HIV/AIDS are posted on www.AIDSVote.org . Only Senator Kerry completed the AIDSVote survey.
AFC urges all eligible individuals to vote in the general election on Nov. 2. Contact the Illinois Board of Elections at 800-923-VOTE or www.elections.state.il.us/ .