The Independent’s Election Guide to the Candidates

 

 

 

 

 

This is the Independent’s guide to the Candidates in the upcoming General Primary Election to be held Tuesday, March 20. The Candidates who win in the March 20th election will be on the ballot in the General Election in November.  Due to space limitations, the Independent is only providing information on contested elections.

Most of this information was garnered from the Elmhurst League of Women Voters, which has more complete information at its site at lwvelmhurst.org. At that site, readers will also find voting districts, ward maps and a map of polling places.

 

House of Representatives races

5th Congressional District, Democrats

Four persons are running in the upcoming Primary Election to be the Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District in the U S. House of Representatives. The incumbent is Congressman Mike Quigley.

Other candidates seeking the Democratic nomination are Steven Schwartzberg, Benjamin Wolf and Sameena Mustafa.

The League of Women Voters asked these candidates about four issues:

1. What can be done to improve civic discourse and reduce the level of rancor and partisan bickering in national politics?
2. Where do you stand on gun control legislation?
3. Immigration detention centers have a reputation for insensitive and inhumane treatment of those being detained, such as keeping families separated for an extended period of time. How could you or would you seek to improve these conditions at detention centers?
4. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was launched in 2010 to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world, the Great Lakes. How would you work to help protect the Great Lakes Initiative?

The answers provided by the four Candidates can be found at the Elmhurst League of Women Voters web site at lwvelmhurst.org.

 

State of Illinois races

Governor, Republicans

Those seeking to be the Republican nominee in the general election in the race for governor are Jeannie Ives and Bruce Rauner. Rauner is the incumbent. (Vote for one).

Governor, Democrats

Those seeking to be the Democratic nominee in the general election in the race for governor are JB Pritzker, Chris Kennedy, Daniel Biss, Bob Daiber, Tio Hardiman and Robert Marshall. (Vote for one)

Attorney general, Republicans

Those seeking to be the Republican nominee in the general election in the race for attorney general are Erika Harold and Gary Grasso. (Vote for one)

Attorney general, Democrats

Those seeking to be the Democratic nominee in the general election in the race for attorney general are Pat Quinn, Renato Mariotti, Scott Drury, Nancy Rotering, Kwame Raoul, Jessie Ruiz, Sharon Fairley and Aaron Goldstein. (Vote for one)

 

State Representative, 46th District, Republicans

Those seeking to be the Republican nominee in the general election in the race for the 46th District state representative are Gordon (Jay) Kinzler and Roger Orozco. (Vote for one) The winner will face incumbent Democrat State Rep. Deb Conroy.

 

State Representative, 47th District, Democrats

Those seeking to be the Democratic nominee in the General Election in the race for State Representative in the 47th District are Jim Caffrey and Anne Sommerkamp.

The League of Women Voters asked these candidates about four issues:

1. Where do you stand on the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment?
2. Do you believe that only the federal government can legislate on matters of immigration or do the states have the right when the federal government fails to act? Please explain your position.
3. What is your stance on a temporary property tax freeze, which the State House approved last year?
4. Do you support changes to the current redistricting process to create rules that make the process more transparent and accountable?

The answers provided by the two Candidates can be found at the Elmhurst League of Women Voters web site at lwvelmhurst.org.

 

DuPage County races

 

DuPage County Sheriff — Republicans

Two persons are seeking the Republican nomination to run for DuPage County Sheriff in the November election. They are Frank Bibbiano and James Mendrick. Their questions from the League of Women Voters were:

1. Where do you stand on gun control legislation?
2. What are your thoughts on improving accountability within the Sheriff’s Office to the public?
3. If elected, what are your plans to keep up the funding for the current DuPage County crime lab and will it remain free for other DuPage municipalities?
4. Where do you see the use and potential growth of the K-9 unit in 2019 and 5 years beyond?

The answers provided by the two Candidates can be found at the Elmhurst League of Women Voters web site at lwvelmhurst.org.

 

DuPage County Board District #1 Republicans

There are three persons seeking one of two seats available on the Republican ballot to represent District #1 on the DuPage County Board. They are: Sam Tornatore, Dino Gavanes and Paul A. DeMichele. Tornatore is an incumbent.

 

DuPage County Board District #2 Democrats

Three persons are seeking one of two seats available on the Democrat ballot to represent District #2 on the DuPage County Board. They are: Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin, Arlene Kendorski and Claire Goldenberg. Chaplin is an incumbent.

Primary Candidates for County Board were asked:

1. What is the best way for county government to advance economic development and green technology?
2. Do you see a need to consolidate functions, streamline processes, reduce head-count, and lower expenses in county government? If so, what do you propose?
3. If elected, what three specific initiatives would you like to accomplish during the upcoming term in office?
4. Where do you stand on elected County Board officials participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement System?

The answers provided by these Candidates can be found at the Elmhurst League of Women Voters web site at lwvelmhurst.org