Schaumburg teacher to run for Congress as an independent

If Bill Fraser had his way, Americans would vote on every major bill that came before the U.S. Congress.

Fraser, a teacher at Schaumburg High School, is running for Congress to give the people of the 8th District the ability to do just that.

Fraser said if he's elected, he will would cede the control of his vote to the people of his district. In a video he posted to his campaign's Facebook page titled "The Lowdown on How This Will Work," Fraser said voters would go to special polling places in the district to vote yes or no on bills that are going to come to a vote in Congress. The ballots would be counted by volunteers, and Fraser would cast his vote in accordance with what the people wanted.

"I used to follow politics very very closely, but it kind of started rotting my gut," Fraser said. "I didn't understand how we could vote for somebody and they could change their mind after they were elected."

Fraser said he would ask voters to weigh in only on issues having to do with taxes or any major new laws.

"I wouldn't do this for a referendum on which day to make National Corvette Day or something," Fraser said.

Fraser ran for the 8th Congressional District seat back in 2010 under a similar platform but dropped out of the election before gathering the necessary signatures to get on the ballot as an independent candidate. He said he is much more driven this time around and has a clearer message.

"The idea is so fresh that it's hard to get across to people that someone would do something like this," Fraser said.

Fraser grew up in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg and moved with his wife and two children to North Barrington last year to be closer to his wife's parents, who were both suffering from cancer and have since died. He said his heart and soul lies with the 8th District.

The 8th District is roughly centered in Schaumburg and includes parts of northwest Cook, central DuPage and eastern Kane counties.

As an independent candidate, Fraser's petition period to get on the ballot in November 2016 begins on March 29.

"We plan to hit the ground running come springtime," Fraser said.

Fraser launched a campaign website, www.voteforfraser.com, last week.