Republican incumbent Christine Radogno is again running for the 41st District of the Illinois Senate ( which includes, among other places, the villages of Burr Ridge, New Lenox and Mokena ) —and was more than happy to talk with Windy City Times about her political passion, her involvement with the LGBT community and her choice for president.
Windy City Times: How did you get involved in politics?
Christine Radogno: This is kind of funny: I got involved in a local issue—they wanted to move a fire station to the end of my street, and I thought, 'I don't want this by my house,' so it was a 'not in my backyard' issue. So I started going to meetings to find out who was responsible for making this decision, and I thought the whole process was absolutely fascinating, and I thought that the people who make the decision were no better and no smarter than me. I thought, 'I could do this,' so I ultimately ran for my village board.
Then, from there, I thought that the whole process was interesting, and I've obviously expanded my horizons. [ Laughs ]
WCT: What are your key issues?
CR: I focus a lot on healthcare and budgetary issues—healthcare in particular because I have a master's degree in social work, so it's a good fit. Budget-wise, I learned very early that if you care about policy, you better care about budget because it's all about money. So, I'm focused on that and [ I've had ] the opportunity to represent the caucus in budget discussions, so I've had on-the-job training.
WCT: Would you describe your political perspective as moderate?
CR: I would call myself fiscally conservative and socially moderate.
WCT: And that seems to be in step with your district.
CR: It seems to be. We'll find out in the next election. [ Laughs ]
WCT: How much do you know about your opponents?
CR: One guy [ Greg Abbott ] has the same name as the attorney general of Texas. [ Brian Bartoz ] graduated from high school with my daughter; he was in College Republicans in Springfield but he's done nothing. We were invited to a newspaper editorial interview; he didn't show up. I've not heard being out at all; I've been told he's ordered 500 signs—that's all I know.
[ Abbott ] is an attorney and is very conservative. He's backed by Jack Roeser of The Family Taxpayer Network, an ultraconservative group. [ Abbott's ] also a precinct committeeman in the Downers Grove township.
WCT: Could you talk about your experiences with the gay community?
CR: Before I was on my village board, we were passing a fair-housing ordinance, and I mentioned, 'We ought to include sexual orientation' while they were [ naming ] the [ protected ] categories,' and the village manager at the time said, 'You don't want to do that. It'll be horribly controversial. You just don't want to go there.' Well, I took that as a challenge, so I put it in there and it passed; we didn't hear a peep. So that was my first experience with this horribly divisive issue, and it was a big bust.
So, when I decided to run for the senate, I ran against a Republican incumbent and [ Equality Illinois Political Director ] Rick Garcia contacted me, and he was so great; I was in this Republican primary here—where you don't need to wear gay rights on your sleeve—and he was tremendously supportive, and he understood that I didn't want to lead with that issue but he did help me defeat a Republican incumbent.
I've always had a very good relationship with the leaders of the gay community. They've been very reasonable and helpful, and I've tried to be the same with them. So with the [ gay-rights bill ] , I was always in the 'Yes' column. I've talked with my colleagues about it; in many suburban districts, it's not a huge issue, but Downstate it's more of an issue. My colleagues know where I stand, although I don't lead with that issue.
WCT: If and when the civil-union bill goes to the Illinois Senate, do you already know how you will vote?
CR: It depends on the language of the bill; it's hard to say for sure. One of the sensitivities that a lot of people have, and that I need to be cognizant of, is that they don't want a civil-union bill that's identical to marriage. There still is a lag there; the majority of people in my district, and especially Republicans, are still against gay marriage— [ although, ] like required seat belts and no smoking, it's something that I think will eventually happen.
WCT: You mentioned the language of the bill—but it would also be in the interpretation or perception of it, correct?
CR: It could be, yeah. I don't know how specific they'll make the language but, certainly, the courts will have the opportunity to interpret the legislation.
WCT: You ran for state treasurer in 2006. What would you say to people who might be concerned you won't serve out your next full term because you might be eyeing something bigger?
CR: I think anybody who says they'll never consider anything else is foolish and maybe even a little dishonest. I have every intention of serving out my term; there's nothing I'm looking at on the horizon. I recently was approached about running for Congress—in fact, pretty heavily recruited to run for the Jerry Waller seat—but I decided to stay where I'm at.
WCT: Which presidential candidate are you behind?
CR: I'm a [ Rudy ] Giuliani delegate. I just think that he has the most practical experience in an executive position. I think he did a decent job in New York City, both budgetarily and with such things as crime-fighting and handling the terrorist attacks. He's socially moderate, which I am as well, and I think he has the best chance at winning. [ Ed. note: This interview took place just after the Iowa caucus. ]
WCT: Are you concerned about the Huckabee surge?
CR: Well, I am concerned for those people [ supporting ] him. I don't think [ the surge ] is going to carry the day; I think he's peaked. I don't think his views are in line with most of the country.
WCT: Is politics what you thought it would be?
CR: And more! [ Laughs ] I have to say that I really, really enjoy it. It's challenging, it's interesting and I learn something new every day. It's expanded my horizons, and I think it's made me more respectful of different points of view.
