(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Businessman Chris Dargis said he — and many in law enforcement — are concerned that when Illinois eliminates cash bail at the beginning of 2023, it will lead to more dangerous people out of custody and on the streets.
The Republican Congressional candidate, who’s challenging Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in November, said he understands that people charged with violent crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“This isn’t about due process,” Dargis said. “We’ve had due process in this country, and frankly, I’m slightly confused that anyone would suggest … that by letting criminals back on the street — that’s due process. They’re wrong. They’re making our communities unsafe.”
He says he is not suggesting doing away with due process. But he says, turning dangerous criminals loose is a danger to the public.
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Proponents of bail reform said judges will determine if people present a danger or should be held pending trial. Dargis said he’s concerned that the new systems won’t work.
“Time and again, we’ve seen shootouts between gang members, and Kim Foxx has said, ‘Oh, it’s just a mutual street brawl, we’re not going to charge anybody,’” Dargis said. “This is the lunacy we’re living under.”
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said police investigators and prosecutors need to have evidence to justify keeping suspects behind bars.
On another matter, Chris Dargis said Democrats have helped usher in historic inflation that's gripping the nation. He said smart solutions are needed to bring prices down.
The Republican 8th District Congressional candidate is not a defender of the Coal industry. After all, he's a nuclear engineer. He said he favors alternatives to fossil fuels.
Dargis, though, said Democratic policies aimed at a carbon-free future have driven energy prices sky high, and he argued that has driven inflation. If gas and other energy prices go up, he said, that hurts manufacturers and small businesses.
Republican Congressional Candidate Chris Dargis is the guest on WBBM Newsradio’s “At Issue” program Sunday, and you can hear more of his thoughts at 9:30 p.m.
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