On the heels of a negative ad campaign by incumbent state Rep. Sam Yingling (R-Grayslake), Tom Idstein, the son of Ken Idstein, the Republican House candidate for the 62nd House District, wants to assure voters that his father is a man of values.
“My father, Ken, has helped shape me into the individual that I am today, helping me understand how important it is to work hard, be honest, be kind to others and spend time with family,” Tom Idstein said in a ad for his father's campaign.
The video comes after Yingling called into question child support payments from Ken Idstein to Tom's mother.
Ken Idstein
Tom Idstein reprimanded Yingling for the attack ad, stating that it was untrue and unfair.
“It is despicable that Rep. Yingling would attack our family to try and win in a political campaign. What kind of person does that?” Tom Idstein said. “He should be ashamed of himself. Yingling should apologize to my family and remove the ad immediately. We all deserve better than this.”
Tom Idstein said the decision 25 years ago to move from Cailfornia to Grayslake 25 years ago was a good one. Tom is one of Ken's five children.
“Our children absolutely love spending time with Grandpa Ken; he’s modeled for me how to be a loving father and supportive husband. I feel lucky to have him,” Tom Idstein said.
In a companion video, Ken Idstein said Yingling's attacks reek of desperation.
"That was over two decades ago,” Ken Idstein said. “Sam Yingling’s desperate political attacks that dredge up and mischaracterize private family matters from 25 years ago are disgraceful.”
Ken Idstein said that when his son came to live with him, the court organized a new child support arrangement and that, once finalized, he paid the full amount that was due, after which the case was closed.
“Twenty-five years ago, my ex-wife and I had joint-custody of our then 14-year-old son, Tom,” Ken Idstein said. “I was very concerned about Tom’s well being and he and I decided that it would be in his best interest to leave California and come and live with me in Grayslake.”
Ken Idstein said that Yingling should be ashamed for his actions and attributed the attacks to Yingling’s desperation to win the election.
“That is what happens when you cannot run on your record,” Ken Idstein said. “The lives of children and spouses should not be dragged through the mud for senseless political gain.”
Ken Idstein said that this election is for an office that handles topics that are of great importance to the community, stating that he is proud of his family and the life he has built for them.
“While Sam Yingling attacks, I’ll continue doing what I’ve been doing my whole life: care for my family, serve our community and improves the lives of my family, friends and neighbors,” Ken Idstein said.
The 62nd District covers portions of Wauconda, Round Lake, Round lake Beach and Grayslake.
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