Ives earns Republican nod in race for 42nd House

A candidate who said she was more independent than her three opponents secured victory in the Republican primary for the 42nd House District.

Jeanne Ives, a tax adviser, bookkeeper, West Point graduate and a member of the Wheaton City Council, took 36 percent of the vote, followed by Chris Hage with 31 percent, Laura Pollastrini with 20 percent and Dave Carlin with 13 percent, according to unofficial vote totals.

Ives will face Democrat William Adams in the November general election.

On Election Night, she said her diverse background is what voters were looking for.

“I think I’m the candidate that represents demographically what the district looks like — an involved mother who is qualified for the position in a number of ways,” Ives said.

The newly redrawn 42nd District includes parts of Carol Stream, Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.

During the campaign, Ives’ opponents charged that she was selling herself as an outsider while receiving the endorsement of the Illinois Liberty PAC managed by Republican consultant Dan Proft.

The committee’s purpose, according to its filing with the state, is “to support candidates for public office who embrace public policy rooted in the principles of liberty and free enterprise.”

Ives said she has been involved in the political process “to the right extent” as a Milton Township Republican committeeman, but that she was “more independent-minded” than her opponents, who have worked on several political campaigns.

Hage, of Wheaton, is a lawyer and former assistant state’s attorney for DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett.

Carlin, a Naperville resident, is the College of DuPage board president and district office director for U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh.

Pollastrini, of Carol Stream, is an attorney, government relations specialist, and member of the DuPage County Regional Board of School Trustees.