Letter: Candidate seems best at not showing up
Sixth Congressional District candidate Keith Pekau, who is running against Sean Casten, didn't bother showing up to the Daily Herald's endorsement interview. This followed months of silence in response to reporters' requests for comments on various issues. Not showing up seems to be Pekau's thing.
Casten offered numerous dates and times to the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization that provides voters with informative candidate forums, but Pekau hasn't committed. Since LWV forums can only take place if both candidates agree to appear, Pekau's avoidance is a disservice to all voters.
While Pekau has been dodging local media and nonpartisan organizations, he's been making the rounds on right-wing television, from Newsmax to FOX News. In one OAN interview, Pekau said he sees "no reason whatsoever" to go to Chicago. Thousands of residents in the new 6th District live in Chicago - potential constituents he seems to have already written off.
Even on his website and social media, Pekau has avoided talking about many issues that are important to our district, from women's rights to education, health care to gun safety.
But, as the Herald's editorial board notes, congressman Sean Casten is "articulate and passionate" about the issues. He doesn't avoid tough topics - or his constituents.
Sean Casten shows up.
He's shown up for 60 public town halls, both to inform us of his work and to listen to what we - Democrats and Republicans alike - think he should work on next.
He's shown up in our communities to rally alongside us for reproductive freedom, organized labor and LGBTQ rights.
He's shown up to lead on climate action; to pass bipartisan jobs, gun safety and veterans health care legislation; and to fight for our voting rights - and our democracy.
Time and time again, Sean Casten has shown up for us. Let's show up to vote for Sean Casten.
Elly Kafritsas
Downers Grove