Running in the Democratic primary race against suburban incumbent U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, D-8th District, is a formidable yet familiar challenge for candidate Randi Scheurer: After all, her husband, Bill, did the same thing two years ago. Scheurer talked to Windy City Times about how she philosophically differs from her spouse and what she has to offer in this political race.
Windy City Times: Your husband ran a couple years ago. Why do you feel that you would be a more successful candidate than he would be?
Randi Scheurer: Well, he's out of that political arena. He's executive director of Beyond War Now.
WCT: I read that he was contemplating another run.
RS: We were pushing to have him at one point. He's a Moderate Party candidate. My position is better suited for the Democratic Party; I'm pro-choice and he's pro-life. It's a big contrast between us.
WCT: And the marriage is fine?
RS: We are so against the war that that's the glue that holds us together. We rise above our differences in that area, and I try to maintain a certain perspective. Also, he believes in certain aspects of stem-cell research, but as a breast-cancer survivor I'm like, 'You don't want to protect me here?' That's where it gets a little dicey. [ Laughs. ]
WCT: Do you feel that Iraq is the most important issue the country is dealing with right now?
RS: [ One ] issue I'm running on is that the money and manpower that's being spent in this unwanted situation have to stop. We have a dire situation domestically. I'm talking about a live-and-die situation with health care. I'm talking about the middle class being squeezed so much that it's becoming the new poor. And then there's the job situation in my district with Melissa Bean; her position is a free-trade position. I feel that those issues have damaged domestic life.
I would say that Iraq comes at the top because war is not good in any situation.
WCT: What do you think is your biggest advantage over Melissa Bean?
RS: The 8th District is one of the highest-taxed counties in the nation. The issues that most concern the 8th are education, taxes and healthcare. I feel that I can best represent the concerns of the people, despite my strong stand on the war. I've talked with thousands of people. [ Plus, ] I've lived here for 30 years and I've seen a marked change in the political climate here. People do not like Melissa Bean; she has not been communicative with her community. The environment is perfect for a new representative. I call myself a 'citizen representative'; I have not come out of the special-interest groups that Melissa Bean is friendly with. I'm about the working families.
WCT: Do you feel that name recognition is your biggest disadvantage in this race?
RS: Actually, I think it's my advantage. I'm counting on my name recognition in being a big factor. People responded very well to Bill, and they'll see the name again—for a third time. [ Laughs. ] Our name's been around for four years.
WCT: What do you think are the biggest issues affecting the gay community?
RS: I have to put discrimination at the top. I feel that there's not enough education, [ which ] opens minds. [ Until ] we talk in a positive way about communities and the humanity of our community, we are not going to be able to change legislation like we want to. I want equal protection under the law; I think that's huge.
And, of course, there's healthcare. It's the same for you as it is for me. I think we need to put pressure on drug companies to be more humane. So, I think civil liberties, health care and education are the big issues.
WCT: And where do you fall regarding same-sex marriage and civil unions?
RS: This is the difference between Melissa Bean and myself. I believe that every human being is given equal protection under the Constitution. I go further than she does. Not only do I recognize [ same-sex ] marriage, but I recognize full benefits. No one should be denied.
WCT: Your views are in step with many in Chicago, but are you concerned that they might be too liberal for your district?
RS: My views are progressive, but I feel that things are moving here. I think if we get a grassroots momentum going here and if I get the message out... I think a lot has to do with the war; the person in the Republican Party is such a hawk. I am hopeful that my position will bring people my way.
WCT: Are you behind any particular presidential candidate?
RS: At this point, I most favor [ John ] Edwards. His healthcare plan—I feel pretty comfortable with it. I know he doesn't have the political experience, but I think that there is an element of humility and contriteness. From his mistakes to his wife's health to the loss of his son, I think [ those experiences ] change a person and how they view their politics and direction.
WCT: Is politics what you thought it would be?
RS: I have grown up around the political community; my parents were political and social activists. I have grown up understanding the unpleasant stuff—my father was interrogated during the McCarthy [ era ] . I've learned a lot and I've known a lot, and I've grown up with a critical eye.
You work with your values, take them with you and decide how to make them work. I march out in the streets, and I know that votes count. I just felt that this was the time.
See www.FreeTheDemocrats.com .
[ Editor's note: Bean has been contacted for an interview but has not yet responded. ]
