URGENT UPDATE: With just over a month remaining until the March 17 primary election, the race for the Illinois Senate in the 9th district is heating up as candidates Patrick Hanley and Rachel Ruttenberg intensify their battle over political experience. This morning, candidates are ramping up their messaging as voters prepare to make crucial decisions.
The two Democratic candidates, who largely align on policy issues, are sharply contrasting their backgrounds to win over voters. Ruttenberg recently mailed out flyers branding Hanley as a “former management consultant” lacking “applicable experience” in healthcare policy. In response, Hanley took to social media, calling the flyer a “goofy negative mailer” and asserting that his campaign is grounded in “optimism and positivity.”
“I’m disappointed by the negative tactics,” Hanley stated, emphasizing his collaboration with state agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic as vital experience. Ruttenberg, meanwhile, highlights her extensive background, including her previous role as deputy chief of staff under Toni Preckwinkle and work in educational policy advocacy.
During a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at the Glenview Public Library last night, around 100 attendees witnessed the candidates pitch their platforms. Both candidates reiterated their support for key issues such as a progressive income tax and affordable housing. However, neither candidate utilized the two rebuttals available to them, with Ruttenberg highlighting her “relevant direct experience” in her closing statement.
“I’ve done the real work for more than 20 years,” Ruttenberg declared. In a direct response, Hanley countered that the role demands a candidate with a “diversity of experiences,” advocating for “active, energetic leadership” that engages with the community.
Local leaders are weighing in as well. DPOE President Kathy Hayes expressed the need for a candidate capable of effectively “writing legislation” and addressing policy and intergovernmental affairs. “It can’t be a guessing game,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of experience in navigating complex political landscapes.
Despite the rivalry, the forum remained civil, with both candidates agreeing on crucial stances, including opposition to spending public funds to retain the Chicago Bears in Illinois. Hanley also received an endorsement from the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, which he described as a positive reflection of the race thus far.
As the primary election date draws near, both candidates are making their cases to voters, emphasizing their qualifications and vision for the Illinois Senate. The stakes are high, and with the election looming, voters are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in this pivotal race.
As developments unfold, the candidates’ contrasting strategies are expected to shape the political landscape in the 9th district.
