Despite the supposed non-partisan nature of school board elections, two entities with ties to liberal political values have thrown their support behind candidates in the race for District 41 school board.
Newly elected U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Illinois), a champion of liberal politics, has campaigned on behalf of three District 41 school board candidates: Jessica Buttimer, Ted Estes and Julie Kasbeer Hill. In addition, the grassroots organization Indivisible DuPage has held meetings advocating citizen involvement in the upcoming school board election.
Buttimer welcomed Casten’s support in a recent social media post, where she pictured him at a campaign event.
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Illinois)
“Great seeing IL-6 Rep. Sean Casten stopping by to support our three amazing candidates for D41 school board,” she wrote on Facebook. “Please, please vote! Sean wants you to!”
However, Casten’s extreme political views and immoderate Twitter posts cast doubt on his suitability to endorse any candidate, much less for school board. During his U.S. House race against former Rep. Peter Roskam, Casten's support for radical left commentator Dan Savage became an issue.
The Illinois Family Action PAC, aligned with the pro-life Illinois Family Institute, described Savage as “a vicious, anti-Christian, homosexual hate-monger and perverse sex columnist.” Casten, however, has repeatedly avowed his support for Savage, telling the Daily Herald that Savage is a current leader who inspires him.
“I love his moral compass and the way he is able to use his peculiar talent for righteous humor to effectuate positive change,” Casten told the newspaper.
Casten re-asserted his support for Savage in a public debate with Roskam and in a Wall Street Journal interview.
In January, the leftist group Indivisible Illinois became involved in the race by featuring former D41 school board member Erica Nelson as guest speaker. The group has also taken a stand through its website about the impact of school board elections.
“Remember that school board elections are the most important municipal races, after village boards and city councils," Indivisible Illinois published on its site. "Most of your property tax dollars go to your school district. All school board candidates, regardless of party, face challenges of wise stewardship of tax dollars, the safety of our kids, teachers and staff, and improving the quality of K-12 education.”
According to the website, Indivisible Illinois supports “progressive values,” mentioning “the environment, taxes, health care and fairness.”
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