Elmhurst University Hosts Q&A With Illinois House of Representatives Candidate Linda Robertson
Photo from Ricky Rivard
Elmhurst University held an event with Linda Robertson, a Democratic candidate for the 65th district of the Illinois House of Representatives, in Old Main 107 on April 25.
The event was hosted by Richard “Ricky” Rivard, a professor of political science at EU and candidate for the 12th district of the Kane County Board. It comprised a meet-and-greet session immediately followed by a Q&A.
Robertson, who describes herself as “a scientist and Democrat” as well as “socially progressive and fiscally pragmatic,” previously campaigned for the same seat in 2022. Her opponent, Republican Dan Ugaste, ultimately won the election with just over 54% of the vote. Over 44,000 ballots were cast overall in the race.
This year, Robertson ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination, receiving over 5,000 votes in total. Likewise, Ugaste ran uncontested for the Republican nomination, earning nearly 7,000 votes.
Although Robertson needed a minimum of 500 signatures to qualify for the ballot, she received a maximum of 1,500 signatures, attributing this to “angry women.” The Chicago Tribune also endorsed Robertson, making her the first non-incumbent Democrat with this distinction.
According to Robertson, a native of Tacoma, Washington, she became politically “awakened” in college by the Vietnam War protests and sit-ins, as well as the 1970 shootings of unarmed Kent State University students.
Robertson, who considers herself “the unlikely candidate” rather than a “career politician,” hopes her distinguished experience as an environmental biologist will help her win what she considers a “very tough district” as a repercussion of gerrymandering, which she believes has enabled more extreme campaigns.
Nevertheless, Robertson remains adamant that “common decency and courtesy” must triumph over “ugly political discourse,” insisting that political parties often focus more on finding common ground and solving problems than arguing with one another.
While fielding questions from the numerous students in attendance, Robertson frequently referred to her political and scientific initiatives, such as pursuing a petition to eliminate a tax on food, which she believes is a basic necessity.
Robertson also indicated that close family members, including her mother and grandchildren, have influenced her views on topics like gun safety, reproductive rights, and childcare.
Furthermore, Robertson offered her political advice and observations to those in attendance, noting that many who vote early tend not to receive any follow-up texts or emails, and many voters decline to review the bar recommendations for judges on the ballot despite these being “critical” positions.
When asked whether she had learned anything from running a campaign in 2022 that she planned to take into account this election cycle, Robertson conceded that a race could not be won in 75 days, comparing her campaign to that of a friend who ran for the Illinois Senate and spent two full years reaching out to voters.
Robertson also emphasized the importance of canvassing and fundraising, as well as relying on “grassroots help,” a friend network, and potentially even the generosity of certain other candidates.
Robertson is set for a rematch with Republican incumbent Dan Ugaste in the next Illinois House of Representatives elections, which are scheduled to be held on November 5, 2024, concurrent with nationwide elections to the presidency, the United States Congress, and various gubernatorial positions and state legislature seats.
