Carl Kunz

Carl Kunz is one of the potential state representative candidates still trying to get on the ballot for November. His campaign was unexpectedly undermined by the sudden repeal of “slating,” a process which allows local party leaders to place candidates in the general election if there was no winner in the party’s primary. The measure was proposed, passed, and signed into law in just a few days while Kunz was in the middle of the process.

“I felt like the Democratic Party was kind of ridiculing anybody who would oppose them, showing their condescension for the people who were trying to get into office.”

“Other feelings were disappointment, distrust in the process. This process was written into the laws, and for it to retroactively be pulled is ridiculous. People were already planning their upcoming months around these campaigns.”

“I feel like I’ve possibly lost credibility with my friends, neighbors and community. I’ve been telling them this is going to happen, to look for me on the November ballot. They would ask me, ‘Are you sure you’re going to get through?’ And I said, ‘I’ll do whatever it takes.’ Now, when they don’t see my name on the ballot, will they think I quit or gave up?”

“I can explain it to neighbors and friends, but what about other potential constituents I met over the last few weeks? Their vote no longer counts because the election is uncontested, and I’ve potentially lost credibility.”

“The 31st District includes parts of both suburban Cook County and Chicago. Historically, Chicago Democrats have done a good job preventing Republicans from winning a district like 31. But this year, I was starting to hear from lifelong Democratic voters saying, ‘Give me that petition. I’m done with the Democrat Party.’ Now this is being yanked out from under their feet. Those in my district who had hope likely no longer do.”

“I told people, ‘You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.’ When you just complain and you’re not going to do anything about it, you’re likely a part of the problem. By running for office, I felt like I was able to be part of the solution.”

“Does it take a little bit of work? Yeah, it does. You hear from friends that say you’ll never win. And now the reality is, they’re right. I didn’t. Even though as a citizen of Illinois, I followed the laws set up to become a candidate.”

Carl Kunz,
Potential candidate, Illinois House District 31
Hickory Hills, Illinois