Endorsement: 6th Congressional District: Sean Casten

The race in the 6th Congressional District is between a freshman Congressman and a former state representative, both of whom are known for tough talk.

The Democratic incumbent, Sean Casten, who lives in Downers Grove, continues to display extensive knowledge of the issues facing the manufacturing, economic and trade issues that face local businesses throughout the sixth district. His background as a former CEO continues to serve him well for understanding how the private sector has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most important, he follows facts, and listens to data and science before offering an opinion or a policy idea.

Ives is a known entity at this point. A conservative firebrand from Wheaton who carries a business-friendly approach to policy, Ives carries the experience of serving in state government in Springfield.

But Ives has time and again proven she has zero interest in representing those who disagree with her, doing the same in her failed 2018 run for Governor. We don't need more of that toxic element in an already divisive federal government.

We'd like to see less tweeting from Casten, and his language towards Republicans has rubbed us the wrong way on more than one occasion. We remain against the name-calling and cheapening of American political rhetoric currently being led by the President.

But Casten is at least interested in a broad range of solutions to problems. We applaud that Casten has remained accountable to his district, holding more than 40 town halls since he became a member of Congress and showing a willingness to listen to anyone interested in civic participation.

We may not agree with the Congressman on all of the solutions he proposes, but he has the bona fides to bring the correct approach of listening and following facts.

Casten is endorsed.