Politics unfairly misstate record

A few years ago, I was discussing political matters with a senior staff member for a major Democratic state legislator when he indicated to me that Republican Peter Roskam was symbolic of the kind of legislator who would work with state/federal legislators of the other party to get things done. Fast forward and today Roskam is now in a race in which his Democratic opponent, Sean Casten, is characterizing him as a polarizing figure and a clone of Donald Trump who can't work with anyone except the president. How did our current political environment get so vitriolic that this kind of posturing is necessary in order for political opponents to win an election against Roskam?

Did Peter Roskam change his political style that dramatically lately that he is now the direct opposite of what one Democratic operative only a few years ago called a collaborative individual? I highly doubt this. Today special interests based on gender, race and ethnicity dominate and divide both political parties and foster a "group think" mentality toward issues, like education and health care, within their respective parties that leaves no room for compromise.

Ironically during this campaign, who mirrors most the party mold of "group think" and is the greater party ideologue is not Roskam but Casten. Mr. Casten should perhaps look at his own behavior and comments before he accuses Mr. Roskam of such actions.

Mr. Roskam does have a record of working with the opposing party and at times calling attention to his party's failings. Mr. Casten has no record to go on, but from his campaign demeanor indicates he will work only within his party because his party has all the answers and is never wrong.

Therefore, vote for Roskam. He will end stalemates and get legislation done.

Carol Gulan

Schaumburg