Kane County Reporter

Dan Ugaste thinks the issue of where the state of Illinois goes from here has reached such a critical point he wants voters to do their homework in knowing everything they can about the candidates they’re thinking of supporting.

“Voters have the ability to look into any candidate,” he told the McHenry Times. “While I don’t think that it’s essential for candidates to have debates, I think voters need to know about candidates, especially here in Illinois where the stakes are so high.”

With Gov. Bruce Rauner set to face Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) in next month’s Republican primary, the debate issue stands front and center after Rauner has steadfastly refused to take the stage across from Ives.

The Telegraph recently blasted Rauner as “a coward” over his reluctance, adding that he even refused to face Ives after the University of Illinois at Springfield offered to organize a GOP debate for some time in this month.

Through it all, Ugaste, a Geneva Republican, said he has tried to remain focused on his run to replace the retiring Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) in the 65th House District.

“Things are well and I’m working to get my name out as much as I can,” Ugaste, who is running unopposed in the GOP primary, said. “In some ways it’s a bit easier knowing that you’ve got time to build for the general election, but the flip side of that is it can be a challenge convincing people to get involved so early for the race you have to run.”

For Illinois to get back on the right course financially, Ugaste said the help of every public officeholder will be needed.

“It has to happen at every level,” he said of the fiscal responsibility he has been preaching. “We can’t wait for statewide election winners to do it. ... (Illinois needs) to start experiencing pro-growth and attracting more businesses and people everyone will need to be part of the process.”

The 65th House District includes Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Pingree Grove, Hampshire and Huntley.