Jim Marter Offers Challenge to Underwood in Wake of Cancelled 2026 League of Women Voters’ Forum

Jim Marter, Republican Nominee for Congress IL14

OSWEGO, IL, UNITED STATES, September 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Jim Marter, Republican nominee for Congress in Illinois’ 14th District, releases the following statements regarding the Underwood Campaign and the cancelled 2026 League of Women Voters candidate forum.

“In the past, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood has declined our debate requests and would only agree to candidate forums. These historically have been closed to the public, with no press or recording allowed," said Jim Marter.

The latest League of Women Voters, Naperville Chapter has cancelled their Candidate Forum for Congressional Candidates in Illinois' 14th District. The facts involved are as follows: The League of Women Voters emailed the Marter Campaign, inviting Jim to their candidate forum. The date and time were already decided upon and Lauren Underwood was already confirmed.

The League admitted that it knew that a virtual "Zoom style" forum would be unacceptable to the Marter Camp but that was for format they decided to offer. This comes after months of effort by the City of Ottawa, the Chamber of Commerce, my Campaign and in-district voters, to get Miss Underwood to participate in-person at Ottawa’s Debate Days, at the beautiful, historic, Lincoln-Douglas Debate Site, within the 14th District. That invitation was rejected.

"Zoom forums, where voters only see the candidate and the wall behind them, have no idea what may be going on in the rest of the room. Candidates can get help off camera and so the format doesn't build trust with the electorate. So, today, I’m giving both the Underwood Camp and the League of Women Voters another opportunity. I’m officially inviting them to participate in an in-person, public debate or forum. I propose the same date and time at which Miss Underwood already confirmed she was free, on September 29th at 6:30 pm.”

“I’m proposing the physical location that was previously chosen by the League of Women Voters: The Fire District Building, within the Oswego Public Safety Campus, right across from the Oswego Police Department. A very secure location. Voters may recall this as the site of a previously scheduled forum which was cancelled when the location was made public. I think a public forum should be public,” added Marter.

“If that time, location or date doesn’t work, Miss Underwood may name the time and place and we can get something scheduled, as long as it’s public, in-person and we can video tape it for campaign use. The press should be invited to attend as well.”

In an effort to give the voters the assessment tool they deserve, the Marter Camp has just three simple requirements. A debate or forum must be:
• In-Person
• Open to the Public and Press
• Video permitted for Campaign use

IL14 has a rich tradition of political debate and that tradition should continue, because an informed electorate makes better choices.”

Jim Marter is the Republican Nominee for Congress in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. He is a business owner, a family man, a former swim and basketball coach, scout leader and elected official. The District is rates a “D+3” district on the Cook Political Report, with momentum towards the Republican from the previous election cycle, making it the most “flippable” Congressional seat in the state. Those wanting to learn more or get involved in the campaign may visit www.Marter4Congress.com.

Those wanting to help us continue to encourage Representative Lauren Underwood to have a real debate or public candidate forum, may leave their name and message on the Marter for Congress Campaign line, 815-585-8006 and the messages will be used to continue to encourage accountability from Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.

Jim Marter
Marter for Congress
+1 815-585-8006
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