UPDATE: With just over one month until the March 17, 2024 primary election, the race for the Illinois Senate‘s 9th District is heating up. Democratic candidates Patrick Hanley and Rachel Ruttenberg are ramping up their campaigns, sharply contrasting their political experiences in a bid to win voter support.
As the primary approaches, Ruttenberg recently sent out flyers branding Hanley as a “former management consultant” lacking “applicable experience” in healthcare policy. In response, Hanley took to social media, labeling the mailer “goofy” and emphasizing that his campaign is rooted in “optimism and positivity,” contrasting it with what he called “negativity and misdirection.”
Ruttenberg, who has served as deputy chief of staff to Toni Preckwinkle, the Cook County Board of Commissioners president, is leveraging her extensive background in public service. She has worked as a policy advocate for Chicago Public Schools and various nonprofit organizations. Currently, she holds the position of deputy committeeperson for the Democratic Party of Evanston.
In contrast, Hanley’s campaign highlights his leadership roles on several nonprofit boards and his founding of the voting advocacy initiative Operation Swing State alongside Preckwinkle and outgoing U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston). Hanley asserts that his experience includes collaborating with state agencies and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes provides him with relevant insights into healthcare policy.
“I think politics can be better than that,” Hanley stated, expressing disappointment over Ruttenberg’s strategy. Meanwhile, Ruttenberg claimed she was busy canvassing doors when she heard about Hanley’s Instagram stories, stating, “I have a lot of relevant experience, so that’s what we’re trying to point out in our mailers.”
The candidates also engaged in a heated exchange during a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at the Glenview Public Library on Thursday. With approximately 100 attendees, both candidates discussed their platforms but did not utilize the two rebuttals available to them. Ruttenberg positioned herself as the candidate with more “relevant direct experience,” citing her past roles.
“I’ve done the real work for more than 20 years,” Ruttenberg declared. In response, Hanley emphasized the necessity for a candidate with a diverse set of experiences, arguing that voters are looking for “active, energetic leadership” that engages with the community.
DPOE President Kathy Hayes, familiar with both candidates, underscored the importance of electing someone capable of effectively “writing legislation.” She stated, “We need people that are primed and experienced in handling policy and intergovernmental affairs. It can’t be a guessing game.”
Despite the competitive nature of the race, there have been no personal attacks between the candidates, who largely agree on several key policy issues, including a progressive income tax and increased affordable housing initiatives. They also share a stance against using public funds to support the Chicago Bears in Illinois.
In a recent endorsement, the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board described the race as “too progressive,” a sentiment Hanley acknowledged. “I appreciate that they called both of us too progressive,” he remarked.
As both candidates continue to sharpen their messages, the focus remains on their divergent experiences. The primary is set to determine who will succeed the outgoing State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) in a pivotal election that could shape the future of Illinois politics.
Stay tuned for updates as the race develops in the coming weeks.
