GENEVA – Steve Andersson once served as the Illinois Republican House Floor Leader – a position with considerable political influence – but this campaign season, he's backing the Democrat running in the 65th District.
Andersson, who stepped down as floor leader after voting against his constituents to raise the Illinois income tax rate to 4.95% from 3.75% in 2017, chose not to seek re-election in 2018.
Democrat Martha Paschke posted on her Facebook page photos taken during the press conference announcing Andersson's support.
“I need a Representative who is willing to speak up on the issues of our day and who is willing to be an energetic, enthusiastic advocate in Springfield," Andersson said the media event. "As we stand here today, I don’t have that. But I have confidence … that will change and we’ll have Martha Paschke as our Representative.”
Ms. Paschke has been endorsed by the gun control group "Moms Demand," the sexual orientation rights group "Equality Illinois," and the state's radical pro-abortion group "Personal PAC."
The Republican incumbent state rep that succeeded Andersson – Dan Ugaste – is conservative on issues and says he was sent to Springfield to hold the line on taxes. He didn't seem disturbed by Andersson's endorsement.
“Steve can do what he wants. That’s up to him,” Ugaste said in a Kane County Chronicle piece on the topic. “If he wants to rail against me he’s unhappy he’s no longer in the seat – he took a vote that was unpopular in the district. I’m down there doing the job I was sent to do: Hold the line on taxes, working to be fiscally responsible to the state and also to bring ethical government to Illinois.”
Paschke and Ugaste will be on the November 3rd ballot.
