Will County Gazette

Illinois’ 14th Congressional District Jim Marter has voiced strong criticism of Democratic leaders and their handling of pro-Hamas protests during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago. 

Marter told Will County Gazette that his campaign is focused on opposing anti-Semitism, and that he's called on his opponent, democrat incumbent Lauren Underwood, to condemn her fellow democrat U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal's labeling of Israel as a "racist state." He said Underwood has not responded. 

“My campaign for Congress is built on the pillars of opposition to anti-Semitism and support for law enforcement and the rule of law,” Marter said. “Our Constitutional Rights to protest, along with our other rights, to free speech, defend ourselves, and to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, are God-given and sacred.” 

“Those rights do not include violence against innocents or authority. Hamas is a terrorist organization funded by an Iranian regime that calls us the ‘Great Satan,’ chanting ‘Death to America.’ This information seems lost on my opponent, Democrat Lauren Underwood, who has over and over refused to condemn anti-Semitism in her own party and around the globe.”

Marter again had critical words for Underwood and the Democratic Party over their perceived lack of consistent condemnation of violence and extremism. 

“I’ve been busy campaigning in Illinois’ 14th District, but to the extent that this is taking place during the DNC, it should be condemned by all,” he said. “Not only when it ‘fits the narrative,’ but if we are to stand against lawlessness and domestic terrorism, the Democrat Political Class...need to be consistent. The voters are certainly united about this and I’m united with them in condemning it.”

He also highlighted a perceived disconnect between Democratic rhetoric and real-life issues faced by American voters. 

“I think people are well aware that there is a gulf between the rhetoric of the Democrat Leadership and the American People who hear one thing but see something completely different in real life,” Marter said. “Whether it’s paying for groceries, filling their tank, or trying to keep their job, the ‘for the people’ rhetoric from the Democrat Party is wearing thin. We’re seeing no results but bad results right now. The people are ready for sanity to return and I’m going to be a part of that solution, replacing Lauren Underwood who votes LEFT of the radical Squad in Congress.”

Critics have compared the recent protest events to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, where a small police force was overwhelmed by activists. 

Former U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Tarik Johnson has described the Capitol incident as a “set-up and…an enormous size cover-up,” highlighting the lack of law enforcement responses.

Marter criticized what he sees as a two-tiered justice system under the Biden Administration, contrasting the treatment of January 6th rioters with the handling of recent protests. 

“The only conclusion is that we have devolved into a two-tiered justice system under the Biden Administration,” he said. “I was among the first to condemn violence and vandalism on January 6th. I condemn it in this case too. However, criminals should be prosecuted and innocent citizens should be left alone, free from politically motivated persecution. I’m not sure fair treatment in the media is an attainable goal right now, unless we have good and honest journalists, willing to speak out.”

Marter emphasized the need for a return to constitutional principles and equal protection under the law. 

“As far as the law goes, we need to return to the Constitution,” he said. “Everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law and that includes knowing what you're charged with, having access to legal counsel, and getting a fast and fair trial. That hasn’t happened for many who were in Washington on ‘J6’ while we have unfettered lawlessness in the streets of Chicago, by bought-and-paid-for, Soros prosecutors and District Attorneys.”

Marter encouraged voter engagement and support for his campaign. 

“Go to www.Marter4Congress.us and get involved. Read my press releases, share them out, donate if you can and by all means vote and bring 4 or 5 new friends who’ll do the same and vote Republican,” he said. “What I say a lot on the campaign trail is true, we need to ‘Save America and the American Dream’ and it’s up to us. The career politicians in charge of the Democrat Party have clearly failed us. We need to elect people who’ll secure the border, bring down the cost of living, protect our rights, and keep us safe, prosperous, and free. That’s what my campaign is about.” 

Marter’s comments come after independent journalist Andy Ngo reported increased violence at protests near the United Center on August 19. 

Ngo's footage showed demonstrators cutting through fencing and disorderly conduct inside the venue, with some protesters displaying Hamas and jihad flags and making anti-Christian remarks. 

The unrest included breaches of security barriers and clashes with law enforcement, which were captured in videos showing verbal abuse of Chicago police. 

Ngo contrasted the prompt police response with the perceived inaction during the 2020 Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots.

Illinois's 14th Congressional District encompasses parts of Bureau, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Putnam and Will counties.

Underwood, the incumbent Democrat, was first elected by a narrow margin in 2020 and has since won re-election twice. 

The district includes all or parts of the communities of Sycamore, DeKalb, Sandwich, Spring Valley, Cherry, DePue, Ladd, Seatonville, Granville, Standard, Hennepin, LaSalle, Ottawa, Oglesby, Peru, Earlville, Mendota, Seneca, Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville and Lockport.