Ives, Kinzler square off Tuesday in GOP primary to oppose Casten

Policy hasn't been the sticking point in the race for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Sean Casten in the 6th U.S. Congressional District.

Candidates Jeanne Ives of Wheaton and Dr. Gordon "Jay" Kinzler both favor small-government, free-market principles.

But Ives, a three-time state representative who ran against then-Gov. Bruce Rauner in the 2018 Republican primary, and Kinzler, a surgeon and former Glen Ellyn park board president, framed their campaigns differently.

Ives said she has a proven record of standing up for her policy priorities - even if that requires working with Democrats across the aisle or calling out leaders within her own Republican Party. She said she will be "a courageous voice."

Kinzler said he is a team-builder who wants to ensure Congress doesn't travel too far toward a "socialist agenda."

The winner will go on to face Casten, a first-term Democrat from of Downers Grove, who is the first Democrat to represent the 6th District since 1972. The district makes the shape of a C from Naperville through Elgin to just beyond Long Grove. It includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.