DOWNERS GROVE, IL – Please see below Rep. Casten’s planned debate schedule for the 2020 cycle. All events will be conducted virtually, per campaign policy. Rep. Casten believes that engaging with a free, fair and open press to keep voters informed is a primary responsibility for any elected official or candidate for public office.

– September 21st, 7:00 PM CT — Candidate Forum hosted by 10 league chapters of the League of Women Voters.

– September 22nd, 4:00 PM CT — Editorial Board interview with the Daily Herald and Northwest Herald. Rep. Casten accepted the invitation, however, Jeanne Ives’ declined the joint appearance and opportunity to debate in that forum.

– October 3rd, 7:00 PM CT — Candidate debate hosted by WBBM and Crain’s Chicago Business.

– October 9th, 7:00 PM CT — Candidate debate hosted by WGN-TV.

NOTE: The Chicago Sun-Times canceled their editorial board joint interview because Jeanne Ives declined the opportunity to debate and participate in the endorsement process. Rep. Casten had already accepted this opportunity.

Regardless of his opponent’s participation in these important debates, Rep. Casten will participate in all debates listed above. He looks forward to using each opportunity to inform voters where he stands on the issues.

Campaign spokesman Jacob Vurpillat released the following statement:
“While Rep. Casten is excited about the debate schedule, he is disappointed that his opponent is declining to participate in the open forums of discussion that voters have traditionally relied upon to stay informed. Rep. Casten believes that voters have the right to hear from their representatives in government. For this reason, he has hosted over 40 town halls and he’s doing everything he can to keep his constituents informed on what he values.”

“In 2018, Jeanne Ives tried to run on her values of intolerance. She has recognized that these values do not fit the 6th District, so she has ignited a debate on debates to avoid talking about the real issues that matter to our community. She’s spent the past months misleading the public and knowingly misrepresenting Rep. Casten’s willingness to debate, while behind the scenes she was declining debate opportunities left and right.”

Information on how to watch will be provided as it becomes available.