Indian American caucus hosts forum for elections in IL

Surendra Ullal

The Indian American Caucus (IAC), a non-partisan platform for civic engagement of the Indian-American community hosted a forum on Thursday October 13 at the Mall of India in Naperville, for candidates running in the November elections.

The event was successfully attended by a record 43 candidates from the Democrat & Republican parties for various races including the state & county levels. Dr Anuja Gupta, the president of IAC commented, “Indian-Americans are realizing their influence in the elections. The Indian American Caucus was established to provide a platform for our community to get to know the candidates of both parties and make a more informed decision”.

The event held 3 weeks before the midterm elections attracted local residents, visitors and the media.

The candidates represented in the event included a wide range of Republicans & Democrats including both, incumbents running for re-election and their opponents. The list of candidates who attended the event included, for the Supreme Court Justice Michael Burke, for IL Circuit Court Judge Mike Reidy; for IL Appellate Court Judge Sonny Choi Williams, Judge Liam Brennan& Judge Joe Birkette; for IL Congress Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy, Scott Gryder & Catalina Lauf.

For IL State Senate Senator Laura Ellman, Rachel Ventura, Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton & Laurie Novak. For IL State Rep Paul Leong, Deanne Mazocchi, Stephany Hood, Janet Yang Rohr, Jackie Williamson, Stephanie Kifowit & Anne Stava Murray. For Dupage County Chairman Deb Conroy; for Dupage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick; for Dupage County Treasurer Gwen Henry & Don Potoczny.

For Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy & Raj Pillai; for Dupage County Clerk Evelyn Sanguinetti, for Dupage County Board Bob Larsen, Cindy Cronin Cahill, Patty Gustin, Kari Galassi, Tina Tyson Dunne, Sheila Rutledge& Saba Haider; for Will County Board Meta Mueller, for Forest Preserve Commissioner Jeff Garhis; for Forest PreserveLiz Van Arsdell, Bob Schillerstrom, Daniel Hebreard & Mary Beth Carlson. State Attorney Bob Berlin is not running for re-election but attended the event as a well wisher.