A Debate over the Debate

A Debate over the Debate

We can all agree that this November election will be a historic one. The Sixth Congressional district race is drawing sharp contrasts between Sean Casten and Jeanne Ives. The ironic issue suddenly is the question of whether or not to debate at all! The Ives campaign has asked for a,“ fair and open debate to give voters a chance “to get past the headlines, media spin and 60-second soundbites to hear a full vetting of the candidates’ records and ideas.” Casten is only interested in one forum, not a debate where candidates are posed prepared questions and candidates given one minute responses. Why? A forum, totally ignores specifics, doesn’t address policy choices, or voting records or give the public the necessary platform and the opportunity to ask their questions. When a candidate dismisses the opportunity to engage with constituents or the electorate, what does this tell us about the candidate’s legislative priorities? Why can’t Casten field questions from the public? Why hasn’t he strongly denounced the rioting, the ongoing Madigan’s scandal, the depressed business climate, our school crisis and the defunding of our police? The deafening silence coming from our elected representatives is shocking! Where is the condemnation and the outrage? The representational malaise and entitlement, we see in Washington, D.C and locally is the problem! Tell Casten that a debate on Illinois’ future, our nation and its citizens who he swore to represent isn’t up for negotiation. Zoom is a sanitized safe environment, why can’t you address the whole electorate? Governing isn’t negotiable; bottom line, he couldn’t care less about the little people! So vote for a people-centric, independent voice who won’t barter our leadership and our children’s future away. Elect JEANNE IVES November 3!

Linda C.