Patti Vasquez talks to Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, at the McLean County Democrats' 2025 BBQ & Bags County Board Fundraiser. It took place on July 12 at IBEW Local 197. (The interview aired on "Driving It Home" July 18.)

Stratton discussed her campaign for Senate, emphasizing her extensive travel across Illinois and the enthusiasm she encounters.

"People are engaged," she told Vasquez. "They are looking for real change. They want to see a fighter. And when I can look them in the eye and say, I'm going to be that fighter for them, it just builds that energy to say, we are going to make it through these really dark times, and we're going to come out fighting for the people of Illinois."

She highlighted the impact of recent federal policies, such as the "big, ugly bill" that threatens health care and food assistance, and contrasted it with Illinois's record of seven consecutive balanced budgets and nine credit rating upgrades. Stratton stressed the importance of affordability, access to health care, and education, and criticized the federal government's lack of action on minimum wage and gun safety. 

"Yes, there's a lot of fear," Stratton said. "There's a lot of uncertainty. And I think we just have to dig deep and recognize there's power in community, and the power is people like this here in McLean County coming together to say we're not going to sit on the sidelines. We're going to fight back." 

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

And find the "Driving It Home (Full Episodes)" podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and Amazon. 

Patti Vasquez talks to Illinois&nbsp;<a href="https://ltgov.illinois.gov/">Lt. Gov.&nbsp;Juliana Stratton</a>, Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.julianastratton.com/">candidate</a> for U.S. Senate, at the McLean County Democrats' 2025 BBQ &amp; Bags County Board Fundraiser. It took place on July 12 at IBEW Local 197. (The interview aired on "Driving It Home" July 18.)
Stratton discussed her campaign for Senate, emphasizing her extensive travel across Illinois and the enthusiasm she encounters.
"People are engaged," she told Vasquez. "They are looking for real change. They want to see a fighter. And when I can look them in the eye and say, I'm going to be that fighter for them, it just builds that energy to say, we are going to make it through these really dark times, and we're going to come out fighting for the people of Illinois."
She highlighted the impact of recent federal policies, such as the "big, ugly bill" that threatens health care and food assistance, and contrasted it with Illinois's record of seven consecutive balanced budgets and nine credit rating upgrades. Stratton stressed the importance of affordability, access to health care, and education, and criticized the federal government's lack of action on minimum wage and gun safety.&nbsp;
"Yes, there's a lot of fear," Stratton said. "There's a lot of uncertainty. And I think we just have to dig deep and recognize there's power in community, and the power is people like this here in McLean County coming together to say we're not going to sit on the sidelines. We're going to fight back."&nbsp;
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).
And find the "Driving It Home (Full Episodes)" podcast on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5k1YzewRMAa8KsNekQbCkn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-full-episodes/id1772728749">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Driving-It-Home-(Full-Episodes)-p4553842/?topicId=433648635">TuneIn</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-driving-it-home-full-epis-224679504/">iHeartRadio</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLquOHBYhhrLNMRm0gNe5wbwcIuJM4upVS">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d8860c92-da64-4745-a369-6c28aacfbd32/driving-it-home-full-episodes">Amazon</a>.&nbsp;

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.

For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.
For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;