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Two Illinois Representatives Avoid Taking Stand On Refugee Order

Peter Roskam and Darin LaHood
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original photos U.S. Government
Republican U.S. Reps. Peter Roskam, left, and Darin LaHood are the only members of Illinois' Congressional delegation who have not publicly stated where they stand on the president's executive order on refugees.

This story has been updated.

Illinois’ Congressional delegation is overwhelmingly opposed to President Donald Trump’s executive order on refugees and immigration.

All 13 of Illinois' Congressional Democrats have come out against the president’s temporary ban on refugees and certain Muslim-country immigrants.

The Republican members of the delegation have been slower to respond. They’re also divided.

Central Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis supports the order, saying the current process for vetting refugees leaves America vulnerable to attack.

But Randy Hultgren, from the far western suburbs of Chicago, calls the order “overly broad” and says America must balance security and compassion.

Two Republicans have resisted multiple attempts to figure out where they stand: Reps. Peter Roskam of Wheaton and Darin LaHood of Peoria.

They’re both active on social media — each tweeted about other topics in the last couple days.

But on the subject of the refugee ban: not so much.

Beyond that, calls and emails seeking comment went unreturned.

On Monday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee included Roskam on a list of Republican seats it says it will challenge in 2018.

Update | Feb. 2, 2017 — Politico Illinois Playbook this morning reported that Roskam called in to WIND-AM earlier this week and supported the refugee ban and immigration restrictions. "(The) country's safer this morning than it was 72 hours ago," Roskam said.

Brian Mackey hosts The 21st Show and formerly reported on state government.
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