From left, Patrick Hanley, Rachel Ruttenberg and moderator Lynette Foss. Credit: Joerg Metzner
State senate candidates Patrick Hanley and Rachel Ruttenberg fielded questions and pitched themselves to suburban voters Thursday night at a candidate forum in Glenview, aligning on policy positions but drawing a sharper contrast on their experiences and what’s needed from a state legislator.
Dozens of voters filled the Glenview Public Library for the event, which was hosted by the League of Women Voters of Glenview-Glencoe in partnership with League chapters in Evanston, Wilmette and Winnetka-Kenilworth-Northfield. Questions were compiled from audience submissions, and ranged from state-level issues like attracting businesses to Illinois and encouraging affordable housing up to dealing with federal immigration enforcement and funding cuts.
Much like the rest of the campaign up to this point, Hanley and Ruttenberg agreed closely on most political positions, to the point that neither used rebuttals offered by moderator Lynette Foss. Among other issues, both said they support another try at a constitutional amendment for a graduated income tax, establishing an independent redistricting process to combat gerrymandering, and limiting public investment for a new Chicago Bears stadium to infrastructure improvements.
The only real divergence came at the very end during closing statements, which both used to talk about the experience and approach they would bring to the seat. Ruttenberg acknowledged they are both “committed progressive candidates,” but said she has “relevant, direct experience” on legislation in Springfield as an attorney, advocate and former deputy chief of staff under Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.
Patrick Hanley, candidate for the Illinois State Senate in the 9th District. Credit: Joerg Metzner 
Rachel Ruttenberg, candidate for the Illinois State Senate in the 9th District. Credit: Joerg Metzner
“I’ve done the real work for more than 20 years — and that’s not to say that I’m the super old candidate, I believe we’re only eight years apart,” Ruttenberg said. “By the time I was my opponent’s age, I was running a legal aid organization and filing civil rights lawsuits.”
Following up with his statement, Hanley said new political leadership is needed in the face of “real fascism in Washington, D.C.,” and touted his range of experience in both public and private areas, including political organizing efforts like marshaling Democratic volunteers through Operation Swing State and building rapid response networks for federal immigration activity.
“We need new leaders, not with what has been called ‘the real experience,’ but with a diversity of experiences,” Hanley said. “What folks are looking for, what they are so desperate for at this moment, is active, energetic leadership that is engaging with the community as we invent, as we reimagine, a better future for our state.”
He also added that he’s “organized communities all over this district, not just one.” Ruttenberg is the deputy committeeperson of the Democratic Party of Evanston and has pitched herself as the “Evanston candidate” in the race. Hanley lives in Winnetka, and is president of the New Trier Democrats.
The pair are running for the 9th District state senate seat currently held by Laura Fine, who has left it open to run for the 9th Congressional District seat. The state senate district covers multiple northern suburbs, including Glenview, Evanston, Winnetka, Glencoe, Golf, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield and Wilmette.
The League recorded the forum, and a link will be added to this story once it is made available. Mail ballots for the primary started going out on Feb. 5 and local early voting at the Robert Crown Community Center will start March 2.
State senate candidates align on policy, diverge on experience at forum is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston’s most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.
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