24th Senate candidates reflect on what they'd do over

An Illinois state Senate candidate says recent headlines of bullying and domestic abuse make him wish he'd done more to oppose bullying as a child.

A Daily Herald questionnaire asked all political candidates "If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?"

Sen. Chris Nybo and his opponent for the Illinois Senate's 24th District seat, Susan Glowiak, answered the questionnaire and expounded on their answers in a recent endorsement interview.

"I didn't answer that from the prospective of a politician. I answered that question from the perspective of a parent," said Nybo, an Elmhurst Republican who took the seat in August. "I have three kids, and I'm starting to see them go through grade school issues, you know, who's friends with who, and who's getting picked on in the playground.

"When I grew up, it was something that wasn't taken as seriously, so if I had one do-over I think I would have tried to be a nicer kid on the playground. It's something we all grew up with and didn't think was very serious, but it really is, and I think we're starting to see some repercussions."

Glowiak, a Western Springs Democrat, answered the questionnaire with "Don't sweat the small stuff" and tied her answer into bullying and domestic violence issues during the interview. "My husband passed away about a month ago so ... this race is very important to me, but I can step back and understand it's not life or death, that it is very important to this state but it's important to step back and take stock and see what is really the most important thing," Glowiak said. "Women need to be protected. Domestic abuse is a problem with women and we need to really protect women and their families and children. This is bullying by a spouse or significant other.

"If we can address it in the legislature, I would be one of the people who would sponsor that. I would be very interested in sponsoring that type of legislation."

On the issue of domestic violence, Nybo agreed.

"It's atrocious what the NFL has done. I'm very glad I'm not doing my fantasy football league this year because I don't think I could participate in any of this. I'm still a Bears fan, but I think the league is handling this very poorly," he said. "More attention needs to be drawn on this issue. If, as a legislature, we have the opportunity to support this issue, I look forward to that."

The 24th District includes all or parts of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Villa Park, Wheaton and Willowbrook.