Dupage Policy Journal

Mark Rice, a candidate for Illinois' Eighth Congressional District, has raised questions about Iranians working in the Biden Administration. Rice, who is set to compete against incumbent Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi in the general election, also disseminated a link to an article from the Hudson Institute.

"So today the GOP-led Congress is scheduling a vote on sanctions bills against Iran," said Rice, according to Facebook. "With all the “High Level” Iranians who were discovered to be working in this crooked Biden Administration, is Congress going to do anything about that? Launch an investigation? re they fired or are any of them still there?"

In a Facebook post, Rice directed his followers to an article from the Hudson Institute that speculated on whether the Biden Administration is compromised by Iran. The article was published on Oct. 22, 2023.

Screenshot of Mark Rice for Congress April 15 Facebook post | Mark Rice for Congress Facebook page

The article claims that Robert Malley, President Joe Biden’s Special Envoy for Iran, played a key role in positioning individuals who allegedly "communicated directly with Iranian Foreign Ministry officials, asking for advice and direction, pledged their allegiance to the Iranian regime and on several occasions, agreed to advocate for Iran." The piece also noted that Malley was suspended along with "most of the operatives."

The author of the piece, Garrett Exner, pointed out that leaked emails implicated Ariane Tabatabai who worked at the Department of Defense (DoD). According to Exner's analysis, this could potentially jeopardize special operations forces and missions.

Exner reported that Senators Roger Wickner, Ted Cruz, Jim Risch and Rick Scott questioned Tabatabai's vetting process for her position at the DoD and how she obtained clearance. Representatives Mike Rogers and Jack Bergman also sought information regarding her appointment and responsibilities.

Rice urged his followers on Facebook: "Please read this article and then we can talk about 'sanctions' against a terrorist breeding regime. It is quite serious to us that it was uncovered that Biden and his cohorts previously at the WH communicated directly with Iranian Foreign Ministry officials asking for 'advice and direction.' How has the infiltration by Iranian loyalists/operatives impacted and impaired our foreign policy with this country that chants death to America and Israel? We still have No Answers on this!"

Rice's campaign for the 8th Congressional District centers on key issues such as promoting economic growth, upholding fiscal responsibility, implementing tax relief, and addressing immigration reform and border security. With a significant 35-year residency in Illinois, Rice currently serves as the CEO of Energy CX, establishing him as a prominent figure in the energy sector. Under his leadership, a team of 70 professionals has propelled the company to national recognition, cementing its reputation as a leader in providing comprehensive energy solutions, according to rice4congress.com.

The 8th Congressional District, which encompasses northern Cook County, northern DuPage County and northeast Kane County, is presently represented by Krishnamoorthi. Krishnamoorthi was first elected to Congress in 2016 and is now serving his fourth term as Illinois’ 8th District U.S. Representative, according to his website.