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Nikki: Why are we in Iran?

Nikki: Why are we in Iran?

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (right) (D-Springfield) visits with reporters in her Springfield office, March 9, 2026 Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Dahl


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate March 17 has turned into a demolition derby, with negative campaigning among the three contenders. And if you are sick of the mudslinging, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (pictured, right) (D-Springfield) sees you and agrees with you.

“I think people see all these tee vee commercials at home, and they’re sick of them. They are sick of the negativity. They want people to be presenting their positive issues and draw contrasts but not tear each other down, so I completely agree and understand that all of us are kind of sick of it and looking forward to getting to this Tuesday’s election.”

Dave Dahl: “If you will excuse my use of the word crap, this crap must work! Otherwise, we wouldn’t be doing it!”

“Well, it’s the system that we have today, and that’s why we need reform,” responded Budzinski. “I think until we get to that real reform and elect people like myself that are committed to finding ways to root out corruption and get money out of politics, nothing is going to change.”

On another topic during a stop with reporters in her Springfield office, Budzinski said the President owes the country an explanation about Iran. “Seeing this conflict – or, quite frankly, what I think a lot of us see on TV as war,” said Budzinski, “Because of concerns I have around why we’re there, what the imminent threat was, what our strategy for getting out of this, what success looks like, is why I supported the War Powers Resolution.”

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