by Alexandra Kukulka, Campus Editor and Doug Pitorak, Contributing Writer

Republican Congressman Robert Dold’s campaign for reelection in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District is down to the wire against Democratic nominee Brad Schneider.

Although the district has voted Republicans to Congress for the past 33 years, it has voted Democratic in presidential elections since 2000.  This is the first election that will use the new district map based on 2010 census data.

Dold has been in office since 2011 after winning Mark Kirk’s congressional seat. He believes that local administrators, parents and educators should make decisions that effect local schools.

On the local level, he also advocates for putting education resources to the leaders of that community who understand the needs of their schools.

Specifically, he supports the Student Teacher Safety Act, which allows full-time teachers and school officials to search students on school grounds if a student is behaving suspiciously.

In higher education, Dold recognizes that while undergraduate degrees are needed for most jobs today, tuition increases are making it difficult for students to attend college. He supports the 401 Kids Family Savings Act, which helps parents begin to save money for their child’s education at a young age.

Schneider said he would remove regulation and offer tax incentives to promote small business growth, but he acknowledges government has its limitations and believes banks should offer loans to small businesses.

Aside from a reduction in red tape, Schneider’s campaign lists quality education as an indispensible tool in the recovery of small businesses.

Schneider emphasizes the important role Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education will have as American children compete in the global economy with youth in China, India, and other countries.

The Democratic candidate also supports teachers and believes they should be compensated fairly.

Schneider also vows to make higher education more affordable, as college students continue to be crippled by tuition costs and loan payments.