WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Paul Nolley

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Featured Interviews)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00…

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Filling in for Patti Vasquez, Paul Chivari and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Paul Nolley, candidate for Congress in the 16th District of Illinois.

Campaign Status and Geography
- Nolley notes that the district's vast geography makes door-to-door campaigning a significant challenge.
- Despite the difficult political terrain in the 16th District, currently held by Republican Darin LaHood, Nolley expresses high confidence in his ability to win this cycle.

Nolley's Professional Background
- Nolley grew up in the Rockford area and has spent much of his career with nonprofit organizations.
- He has worked with faith-based groups on youth literacy and fundraising for organizations like Habitat for Humanity and United Way.
- For the last six years, he has served as the executive director of a labor management organization focused on construction apprenticeships.

Motivations for Running
- Nolley decided to run for office after discussing potential political shifts with his wife.
- He wants to provide a working-class contrast to the incumbent, who comes from a politically powerful family.
- His primary goal is to offer a new vision that helps working-class citizens improve their lives.

Legislative Priorities and Goals
- Nolley aims to address corruption and backroom deals within the government
- He supports national redistricting reform and overturning Citizens United to reduce dark money influence.
- Other priorities include industrial policy for manufacturing hubs like Rockford and making health care more affordable via Medicare expansion and Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Political Support and Voter Issues
- The Democratic Party of Illinois has designated Nolley's race as a targeted campaign with its potential to turn blue.
- In voter outreach, Nolley reports that economic anxiety regarding future opportunities for younger generations is a primary concern.
- He also hears frequent mentions of health care costs, war impacts, and general societal instability from both Democrats and Republicans.

Debate Participation and Engagement
- Nolley reports that LaHood hasn't held an in-person town hall in nine years.
- A candidate forum is confirmed for October 5 in Peoria, but a direct debate remains unconfirmed by LaHood's team.
- Supporters can get involved or donate via his official website at paulnolley.com.