Respondents Support Domestic Programs, Particularly HIV Prevention

Ninety-six Illinois candidates for public office responded to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's (AFC) 2006 candidate survey. More than three-quarters of respondents indicated strong support for AFC's policy positions.

Nine candidates vying for statewide office responded to AFC’s survey, including incumbent Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) who is seeking a second term. His opponents, Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka (R) and Rich Whitney (G), did not return AFC’s questionnaire. Blagojevich and five other statewide candidates submitted written statements on their HIV/AIDS positions.

All congressional candidates said they support universal access by 2010 to HIV prevention, care, and treatment as agreed to by United Nations members—including the U.S.—earlier this year. Federal respondents also backed microbicide research, increased federal funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, and enactment of the Early Treatment for HIV Act.

Illinois General Assembly candidates who responded expressed near universal support for comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, including comprehensive and age-appropriate sexuality education; expanded risk-reduction services for people at risk of infection; comprehensive HIV counseling and testing approaches; and state funding for needle exchange.

About the survey:
AFC asked congressional candidates 16 questions on healthcare, disease prevention, research, public benefits, immigration, and U.S. responses to the global AIDS pandemic. The questions and responses can be found in the first section of the report on pages 2-6.

AFC asked candidates running for the Illinois General Assembly 10 questions regarding healthcare, disease prevention, corrections, and housing. The questions and responses can be found in the second section of the report on pages 6-12. Responses from statewide candidates to the eleven questions AFC posed to them appear on pages 12-13. Questions and responses posed to candidates for Cook County elected office begin on page 12.

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.

AFC sent the survey to a total of 343 candidates who registered for U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois Senate, Illinois House of Representatives, constitutional officer, and Cook County elections. AFC received 96 responses for a return rate of 30%.

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.

Candidate Questionnaire (PDF)