Keith Pekau
Republican | Illinois
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Keith Pekau
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 6
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Arizona State University, Tempe, B.S.E, Aerospace Engineering, 1988
Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, Durham, M.B.A., 1997
WORK & MILITARY
United States Air Force, Capt, 1989 to 1998
AFFILIATIONS
Orland Park Magic, Baseball and Basketball Coach, Orland Youth Association
Baseball and Basketball Coach, Vets For Energy, Chairman of Illinois Chapter
VFW - Reber Tesmond Memorial Post 2604, Member, American Legion Post 111
Member, Chicago Southland Interstate Alliance, President
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Mayor Village of Orland Park, 2017 - Present
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (5)
*Tea Party Express
*The Guardian Fund
Illinois Federation for Right to Life PAC
*National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Illinois
Jeanne Ives
OTHER (5)
*Log Cabin Republicans PAC
Tim Ozinga
*Frontline Patriots PAC
*United Hellenic Voters of America
Margo McDermed
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Tim McCarthy - Retired Police Chief Orland Park
Deanne Mazzochi - State Representative
Sean Morrison - Cook County Commissioner
Jeanne Ives - Former State Representative
John Curran - State Senator
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (3)
Adam Kinzinger (2013)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2010)
WinRed (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (25)
Abraham Lincoln PAC (2022)
Adrian Smith (2022)
Bold Active Conservatives of Nebraska (Bacon PAC) (2022)
Bulldog PAC (2022)
Congressional Leadership Fund (2022)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I was adopted 7 years before the Roe V. Wade decision and would not be here if not for the act of a brave 15-year old girl carrying me to term. The most loving act of my life was her giving me up so my parents could adopt me. Today, adoption has become unaffordable for people in the economic class of my parents. I want to work on making the process of adoption easier and more affordable.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I was adopted 7 years before the Roe V. Wade decision and would not be here if not for the act of a brave 15-year old girl carrying me to term. The most loving act of my life was her giving me up so my parents could adopt me. Today, adoption has become unaffordable for people in the economic class of my parents. I want to work on making the process of adoption easier and more affordable.
ECONOMY
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Too many to list, but in short – the tax code must be simplified.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Too many to list, but in short – the tax code must be simplified.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
Our founders enshrined the separation of church and state into the First Amendment of our Constitution that protects the religious beliefs of all Americans. I support our historical values upon which our nation was founded, and I also support our commitment to protecting the sanctity of individual religious beliefs.
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
Our founders enshrined the separation of church and state into the First Amendment of our Constitution that protects the religious beliefs of all Americans. I support our historical values upon which our nation was founded, and I also support our commitment to protecting the sanctity of individual religious beliefs.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I was a strong voice against the recent vaccine mandates as the government should not be forcing anyone to take an experimental vaccine or forcing businesses to require vaccines, particularly for a disease with such a low mortality rate and with a vaccine that was unproven. With that said, many states require vaccinations for school age children for childhood diseases after vaccines are long since proven safe and with debate of the legislature. Some of these make sense (polio and previously smallpox). However, these requirements have religious and medical exemptions as they should. Employers to have the right to require these, and people have the right not to work for that employer. For example, the military and the medical community have valid reasons to require some vaccinations.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I was a strong voice against the recent vaccine mandates as the government should not be forcing anyone to take an experimental vaccine or forcing businesses to require vaccines, particularly for a disease with such a low mortality rate and with a vaccine that was unproven. With that said, many states require vaccinations for school age children for childhood diseases after vaccines are long since proven safe and with debate of the legislature. Some of these make sense (polio and previously smallpox). However, these requirements have religious and medical exemptions as they should. Employers to have the right to require these, and people have the right not to work for that employer. For example, the military and the medical community have valid reasons to require some vaccinations.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
C. I would add, that we should look to make Medicaid and Medicare much more cost-effective and efficient at delivering quality health care services. Additionally, we should ensure that our veterans have access to high quality heath care which was not mentioned here.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
C. I would add, that we should look to make Medicaid and Medicare much more cost-effective and efficient at delivering quality health care services. Additionally, we should ensure that our veterans have access to high quality heath care which was not mentioned here.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
B. But None of these answers are reflective of my views. The United States should involve its military in matters of national security or national interest. It is a foreign policy option that should only be used when necessary.
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
B. But None of these answers are reflective of my views. The United States should involve its military in matters of national security or national interest. It is a foreign policy option that should only be used when necessary.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We should strengthen control of our own borders. We should continue to cooperate and share intelligence with our allies. American law enforcement agencies need to fully cooperate and share information. Economically, we need to limit our dependence on foreign oil imports and export our energy resources to allies throughout the world. Doing so will reduce hostile countries ability to fund terrorism, will result in better security for America and will reduce the need for military intervention.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We should strengthen control of our own borders. We should continue to cooperate and share intelligence with our allies. American law enforcement agencies need to fully cooperate and share information. Economically, we need to limit our dependence on foreign oil imports and export our energy resources to allies throughout the world. Doing so will reduce hostile countries ability to fund terrorism, will result in better security for America and will reduce the need for military intervention.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Our immigration system should prioritize those who have the skills to strengthen our economy, the process should not incentivize illegal immigration.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Our immigration system should prioritize those who have the skills to strengthen our economy, the process should not incentivize illegal immigration.
VALUES
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Methodist and try to live my life and raised my children to follow Christian values.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Methodist and try to live my life and raised my children to follow Christian values.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
These are state issues that each state should handle in the way they see fit. I think we all want everyone who is legally able to vote to have access to voting and to be able to vote only once. I also think that only citizens should be able to vote per the United States Constitution. We need IDs to function in society (cash a check, receive government assistance, check into a hotel for example), and they should be required in order to vote. We also need to have an absentee system in the event that someone is not available to vote (e.g. military). In this case, if showing an ID is not possible there should be rigorous checks on balances to ensure that a person is legally allowed to vote, is casting their own vote and is only voting once. The goal is not to make the process more difficult for voters, the goal is to give legal voters peace of mind in knowing that their vote will be counted and that only valid votes are counted. Election integrity should be a bipartisan issue.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
These are state issues that each state should handle in the way they see fit. I think we all want everyone who is legally able to vote to have access to voting and to be able to vote only once. I also think that only citizens should be able to vote per the United States Constitution. We need IDs to function in society (cash a check, receive government assistance, check into a hotel for example), and they should be required in order to vote. We also need to have an absentee system in the event that someone is not available to vote (e.g. military). In this case, if showing an ID is not possible there should be rigorous checks on balances to ensure that a person is legally allowed to vote, is casting their own vote and is only voting once. The goal is not to make the process more difficult for voters, the goal is to give legal voters peace of mind in knowing that their vote will be counted and that only valid votes are counted. Election integrity should be a bipartisan issue.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Hatred in all its forms tears at the fabric of democracy but I do not believe that it is a substantial threat to domestic security in the United States. Those individuals or groups who threaten or harm others for any reason, including race, should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Hatred in all its forms tears at the fabric of democracy but I do not believe that it is a substantial threat to domestic security in the United States. Those individuals or groups who threaten or harm others for any reason, including race, should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A. We all want clean air, clean water, and a clean environment. We have to strike a balance between those desires and our quality of life, jobs, and economy.
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A. We all want clean air, clean water, and a clean environment. We have to strike a balance between those desires and our quality of life, jobs, and economy.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/orland-park-mayor-calls-new-cook-county-covid-19-restrictions-unlawful https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/orland-park-calls-on-kim-foxx-to-resign-it-is-a-matter-of-life-and-death https://thesouthlandjournal.com/orland-park-mayor-keith-pekau-criticizes-governor-pritzkers-one-year-election-gimmicks/
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/orland-park-mayor-calls-new-cook-county-covid-19-restrictions-unlawful https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/orland-park-calls-on-kim-foxx-to-resign-it-is-a-matter-of-life-and-death https://thesouthlandjournal.com/orland-park-mayor-keith-pekau-criticizes-governor-pritzkers-one-year-election-gimmicks/
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My goal as an elected official has always been to put people over politics. My priorities are: 1) Keeping families safe and our neighborhoods secure, 2) Growing the economy to create good-paying middle-class jobs, and 3) Fighting inflation and bringing fiscal responsibility to Washington.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My goal as an elected official has always been to put people over politics. My priorities are: 1) Keeping families safe and our neighborhoods secure, 2) Growing the economy to create good-paying middle-class jobs, and 3) Fighting inflation and bringing fiscal responsibility to Washington.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I am pro-second amendment. Violent offenders should not be allowed to possess firearms, and we should work harder to take criminals who violate existing gun-laws off the streets. Current gun laws are inadequately enforced and the focus should be on criminals not the tools they use.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I am pro-second amendment. Violent offenders should not be allowed to possess firearms, and we should work harder to take criminals who violate existing gun-laws off the streets. Current gun laws are inadequately enforced and the focus should be on criminals not the tools they use.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
