Dupage Policy Journal

Sixth District Congressional challenger Jeanne Ives believes the way incumbent U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) decides which voters get to interact with him at his town hall events reveals a lot about the man's character.

“No one should have to register for a town hall,” Ives told the DuPage Policy Journal. “They should be open public events. I have heard of voters who live in the district being denied entry for no reason.”

Ives, who previously served in Springfield for six years representing the 42nd District before relinquishing her House seat to challenge then-Gov. Bruce Rauner in the Republican primary, argues that such actions perpetuate the Chicago Machine's Democratic Way.

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove)

“Have Mike Madigan pick your voters through gerrymandering, and then you pick the voters who you will allow to address you,” Ives said. “He does not promote open dialogue by solely promoting the town halls online and requiring sign-up and a ticket to get in.”

Ives is reminding voters that their voices can be heard loud and clear come next year’s general election.

“In 2020, families in our community will have a choice between Casten’s democracy theater and actual representation, including the genuine, give-and-take of policymaking,” Ives recently said in a press release. “If you cannot tolerate dissent, like Sean Casten, you cannot formulate the coalitions necessary to make good public policy.”

Finally, Ives argues that Casten has proved to be no less than a rubber stamp for Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during his early time in office.

“Is Sean Casten willing to strike a reasonable compromise on border security and permanent status for DREAMers?” Ives asked. "Does Sean Casten think Illinois families are overtaxed? Will Sean Casten go along with his party’s leaders and eliminate the private health insurance of 175 million Americans? Maybe 6th District families can get some answers to these policy or life questions from their congressman if they’re fortunate enough to get tickets so they have the privilege to ask Lord Casten.”