Donald Trump

Another Democrat Looks to Unseat Congressman Peter Roskam

Democrats believe they are seeing cracks in the longtime Republican 6th Congressional District, leading to a key primary race shaping up in the western suburbs.

Now, a fourth Democratic candidate has thrown her hat in the ring in what looks to be one of the key contests across the country in 2018.

Carole Cheney announced her candidacy Tuesday, joining three other women looking to unseat incumbent Congressman Peter Roskam.

"I want to make government work for the people of the 6th District," Cheney said. "People are worried that their kids don't have the same opportunities that they once did."

President Donald Trump won't be on the 2018 ballot in 2018, but Democrats see the upcoming midterm election as a referendum on his administration - looking to Hillary Clinton winning a majority of vote in the 6th district in 2016 as proof of change brewing.

"Given I think some of the extreme positions that Donald trump takes, that's what's troubling about Peter Roskam, he takes those same positions," Cheney said.

While Roskam isn't the only one, he has refused to hold town hall meetings. While he leads the call for tax reform, it's his vote to repeal and replace Obamacare that has his opponents pouncing.

"There's a lot of people out there, it doesn't matter which party you are, they feel that their representative isn't listening to them," Cheney added.

There are now four women who have declared their campaigns - Kelly Mazeski, Amanda Howland, Suzyn Price and Cheney.

Cheney, who ran and lost a race for state representative in 2012, is an attorney, but more recently has run the district office for Congressman Bill Foster. While she lives in Naperville, she currently does not live in the 6th District.

"I've been on the ground in our community serving constituents," Cheney said. "He is now transitioned to where he's serving special interests. He's lost touch with the people of his community. I want to bring that back."

The 6th District includes parts of 5 different counties. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has announced plans to target this contest as one they are especially invested in.

A spokesman for Roskam said the congressman had no comment.

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