Casten for Democrats in Congress, District 6

Since unseating Republican congressional stalwart Peter Roskam in 2018, Democrat Sean Casten has been a rock-steady, outspoken advocate in Illinois’ 6th District for party principles and progressive positions on everything from foreign policy to Medicare for All health care.

Now seeking his fifth term, Casten promises more of the same as he finds, in his description on the Daily Herald’s candidate questionnaire, an increasing need “to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” What that means as a practical matter is that Casten, who built his early profile on his energy background and ardent support for an aggressive climate policy, sees growing threats in current government actions on foreign policy, immigration enforcement, health care and more.

On all these matters, the congressman is an articulate speaker with opinions built on thoughtful reasoning and solid research. No serious observer could challenge his progressive bona fides. Indeed, if he has a weakness in this regard, it is that he can sometimes prove too glib or unrestrained in calling out opponents on policies he cares about.

Nonetheless, the theme of software engineer Joseph Ruzevich’s campaign against him in the March 17 primary is that he subordinates progressive values in exchange for financial donations, in particular as it applies to Middle East policy. The complaint is a common one facing all incumbent officeholders and, given the outsize influence of money in contemporary politics, it is not irrelevant.

But whatever the demand for financial capital, it doesn’t seem to have a material impact on Casten’s positions or his work. If comparisons of the two candidates’ statements on the state of government in the United States or on any of the nation’s policies will uncover only rare and generally minor deviations.

A more relevant point is to consider which candidate has the better chance of advancing those positions and sustaining them for the long term. On that score, the clear answer is the persistent and experienced Casten over the well-intentioned and unproven Ruzevich. Casten espouses progressive values firmly and unapologetically, yet maintains an understanding of what it takes to get things done. He's the better option for Democrats, and he gets our endorsement for the March 17 primary.