Congressional candidate Aaron Schock addressed Republican National Convention delegates Thursday evening prior to John McCain's nomination acceptance speech.

The 27–year–old Schock is running to replace Representative Ray LaHood in the 18th congressional district.
Schock used his own experience running for the Illinois House to urge fellow Republicans to seek support from all voters, particularly blacks and Latinos.

"This is what the Republican Party stands for – a leg up, not a hand out... helping impoverished folks become self–sufficient, contributing members of society. By embodying John McCain's unconventional ways, I was re–elected with 39–percent of the African–American vote, up from four percent just two years earlier," Schock told delegates in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Meanwhile, Schock's Democratic opponent for Congress is criticizing Schock—–saying he was
"totally unwilling to address voters or debate his opponents."

"It also seems to be in keeping that Aaron Schock would take center stage when he has shunned our debates.
I'm disappointed in that and I think we should be disappointed in that for the voters of our district," said Callahan.

Callahan says Schock has pulled out of three scheduled debates.
Schock says they have ten debates scheduled..
Schock and Callahan, and Green party candidate Sheldon Shafer are to speak next Wednesday morning in Peoria.