The already heated race in the 6th District Congressional race grew even more contentious as the election grew near, as Democratic challenger Sean Casten fired back at Republican Peter Roskam for his public criticism of Casten’s praise for gay columnist and activist Dan Savage.
In an Oct. 30 statement to Windy City Times, Casten said, “The work Dan Savage and his partner have done with the ‘It Gets Better’ project to reduce suicide among LGBTQ teenagers and encourage those who come out of the closet to feel safe and comfortable with themselves is praise worthy. Roskam’s actions and ads are a desperate campaign tactic showing exactly how out of touch Peter Roskam is with the people of the Sixth Congressional District who want an America that welcomes all Americans regardless of their sexual orientation.
“Roskam has taken yet another page from President Trump’s playbook with his digital ad—from voting with him 94% of the time, to campaigning on his divisive views. Equality for LGBTQ Americans makes our nation great—and it is a shame Roskam and the President fail to recognize that.”
Roskam had denounced Casten the previous week based, on among other factors, Savage’s criticism of the Bible and his mockery of politician Rick Santorum. Roskam for Congress Spokesperson Veronica Vera said in an Oct. 22 statement that Casten “idolizes individuals that are radical and completely out of step with this district. It’s clear that Sean Casten would make things in Washington a lot worse.”