News

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.”

Recent Headlines

2 hours ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

There she is! Miss America visits Springfield

Fresh
Miss America Cassie Donegan visits the Old State Capitol in Springfield Friday afternoon.

"Pageantry within the world of Miss America is it's a life changer. And it changes the trajectory for many." 

20 hours ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Local, National

CBS News shutters its storied radio news service after nearly a century, ending an era

The CBS Broadcast Center in New York

Newstalk 93.9 and AM 1240 WTAX has been a CBS Radio affiliate since 1943.

22 hours ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle

Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme and more react to the death of Chuck Norris

The death of Chuck Norris has triggered an outpouring of memorials from fellow Hollywood tough guys and fans. The martial arts grandmaster and...

22 hours ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle

FCC approves merger of local television owners Nexstar and Tegna as two lawsuits seek to block it

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday said it had approved the merger of local television giants Nexstar Media Group and rival Tegna, the same day that...

22 hours ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle

CBS News shutters its storied radio news service after nearly a century, ending an era

CBS News said Friday it will shut down its storied radio news service after nearly 100 years of operation, ending an era and blaming challenging economic times as the...