URGENT UPDATE: With just over one month remaining until the March 17 primary election, the race for the Illinois Senate 9th district is heating up as candidates Patrick Hanley and Rachel Ruttenberg engage in a fierce debate over their political experience.
Both Democratic contenders generally align on key policy issues, but they are now intensifying their campaigns to highlight their differing backgrounds. Ruttenberg recently mailed flyers branding Hanley as a “former management consultant” with “no applicable experience” in healthcare policy, a move she believes underscores her qualifications.
In a rapid response, Hanley took to social media on Thursday, labeling Ruttenberg’s flyer a “goofy negative mailer.” He emphasized that his campaign is built on positivity, contrasting it with what he described as “soaked in negativity and misdirection.”
Ruttenberg, who formerly served as deputy chief of staff for Cook County Board of Commissioners president Toni Preckwinkle, has a robust background as a policy advocate for Chicago Public Schools and several nonprofits. Currently, she serves as the Democratic Party of Evanston’s deputy committeeperson.
On the other hand, Hanley boasts leadership roles in multiple local nonprofits and co-founded the voting advocacy initiative Operation Swing State with Preckwinkle and outgoing U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. He argued that the flyer misrepresents his healthcare policy experience, which includes collaboration with state agencies and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think politics can be better than that,” Hanley stated regarding the campaign’s negative tactics.
The conflict over experience was further showcased during a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at the Glenview Public Library on Thursday, where around 100 attendees gathered to hear both candidates’ pitches.
While the candidates aligned on several progressive measures, including increasing affordable housing and opposing the use of public funds to retain the Chicago Bears in Illinois, they diverged sharply on their qualifications. Ruttenberg highlighted her direct involvement in government operations over the past two decades, stating, “I’ve done the real work for more than 20 years.”
In his closing remarks, Hanley countered, expressing that the role requires a candidate with a “diversity of experiences.” He added, “What folks are looking for is active, energetic leadership that is engaging with the community.”
DPOE President Kathy Hayes noted the importance of electing someone experienced in policy and intergovernmental affairs, emphasizing that it “can’t be a guessing game.”
Despite the competitive atmosphere, the forum remained focused on policy rather than personal attacks, reflecting a shared commitment to the issues facing constituents.
The tension between the two candidates is palpable, and as the March 17 primary approaches, voters are left to ponder which candidate possesses the relevant experience to serve effectively in the state legislature.
Both campaigns are ramping up their outreach efforts, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the candidates. Expect more developments as this high-stakes primary unfolds.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned as we continue to follow this pivotal race in Illinois politics.
