U.S. Senate Candidates Polled on
AIDS-related Policy Positions

CHICAGO- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) released the results of a survey conducted among all U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois vying for their party's nominations in the March 16 primary election.

Democratic candidates Mr. Gery Chico, Mr. Blair Hull, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Senator Barack Obama, Ms. Nancy Skinner, Ms. Joyce Washington, and Republican Mr. Jonathan Wright completed the survey and included statements about their specific HIV/AIDS plans, if elected senator. Republican candidates Mr. John Borling, Mr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Mr. Andy McKenna, Mr. Jim Oberweis, Senator Steven Rauschenberger, and Mr. Jack Ryan and Democrat Ms. Maria Pappas did not return AFC's survey.

AFC conducted the poll as a service to Illinoisans concerned about HIV/AIDS. The survey included questions on a variety of issues including healthcare, HIV prevention, AIDS research, and housing. While not endorsing candidates for public office, AFC regularly surveys candidates and publishes the results to inform people with HIV/AIDS, their service providers and advocates, and the general public about candidates' positions on an array of important AIDS-related issues.

A majority of candidates expressed support for increasing governmental efforts aimed at meeting the various needs of people living with or at-risk for HIV/AIDS. Candidates overwhelmingly supported Medicaid as an entitlement program and most respondents registered support for increased funding for the Ryan White CARE Act, Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS, and global AIDS relief.

While most respondents were in favor of increased funding for comprehensive, science-based HIV prevention services, the candidates were mixed in their support of removing the ban on federal funding for needle exchange. Chico, Hynes, Obama, and Washington reported they would remove the ban if elected senator, Hull indicated he wanted to learn more about the funding restrictions, Wright opposed removing the ban, and Skinner did not complete the question.

Most candidates indicated their support for the Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA), a bill that would allow states to expand Medicaid coverage to people living with HIV before becoming disabled. AIDS advocates have been urging their members of Congress to support ETHA, which could reduce healthcare costs by providing early treatment to avert expensive hospitalizations and progression to disability. Senator Richard Durbin (D) is a co-sponsor of ETHA and introduction in the House is pending.

To view the report, including the candidates' full responses, go to www.aidschicago.org. or call the AIDS Foundation of Chicago at 312-922-2322 for a mailed copy.

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Founded in 1985 to provide central leadership in the fight against the epidemic, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) promotes sound HIV/AIDS public policy, funds HIV/AIDS care and prevention projects, and through its Service Providers Council, helps to coordinate the delivery of essential HIV/AIDS services.

View the Survey (PDF)

Written Responses (PDF)