Kenny Idstein is looking to shake things up come the 2018 elections, and he says a gubernatorial run by Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) could add fuel to the fire.
“I just met Jeanne Ives, and I’m taking a closer look to see if she can make a difference,” Idstein told the Lake County Gazette. “I haven’t been happy with [Gov. Bruce] Rauner, and I haven’t decided if I will support his 2018 efforts.”
Idstein said one of the issues he’s most disagreed with Rauner on was his signing of abortion expansion bill HB40, which allows Medicaid recipients and state workers to get state-funded abortions at any time and for any reason during their pregnancy.
Kenny Idstein
Ives opposed the bill, and Idstein, who is challenging Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Round Lake Beach) in the 62nd District, said she had good reason.
“I’m worried about where the funding for this is going to come from,” he said. “I don’t think it was the fiscally responsible thing to do.”
The 62nd District encompasses Grayslake, Round Lake and Round Lake Beach.
Idstein said he and the 52-year-old Ives recently had a brief introductory meeting and he’s looking to get to know her better. Ives has installed former state Rep. Rich Morthland as her running mate and Chicago GOP Chairman Chris Cleveland as her campaign chairman.
As for his own campaign, Idstein said he’s still busy going door to door, meeting voters and getting petitions signed.
“We’re slated to get a number endorsements really soon,” he said. “I’ve lived here all my life, so for me this is a labor of love.”
Though he has never held public office, Idstein insists he’s ready for the challenge. Candidates for state office in Illinois must file their candidacy paperwork by Dec. 4.
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