Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois' 6th Congressional District candidate Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) is leading incumbent U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) by a full nine points in the latest Ogden & Fry poll.

In a random survey of voters taken during the middle of Decemeber, pollsters found that Ives carries 47 percent of the vote to Casten’s 38 percent from among 575 general election voters. On the question of which candidate would voters be most likely to select if the election were held today, Ives garnered 39.6 percent "likely" responses and another 7.4 percent support from voters who identified themselves as leaning in her direction. 

Another 15.5 percent of respondents said that they were still undecided.

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

Ives has previously served for six years as state representative in the 42nd District and narrowly lost the 2018 Republican primary to then-Gov. Bruce Rauner. She recently blasted Casten for being out-of-touch with his constituents based on his vote in favor of the two articles of impeachment filed against President Donald Trump.

“Whether or not you believe Trump should face an inquiry, the process must meet the standards of fairness and due process that most Americans – not named Sean Casten – demand,” Ives said in a press release. “Secrecy, Democrats acting as judge and legal representation for witnesses they call, and indifference to the rights of the minority party are inconsistent with American notions of fair play and justice. If it is not a fair proceeding, it is an illegitimate proceeding.”

Ives added that Casten will likely pay a price for his choices when election day arrives.

 “In 2020, voters will weigh in on whether they believe Sean Casten has served their interests or whether he has done nothing but play partisan politics,” Ives said. “They will decide whether they want a representative committed to upholding due process or a Sean Casten who games the system to nullify an election result he didn’t like.”

Ives, who announced her candidacy back in July, is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and greater government accountability.