ST. CHARLES – Linda Robertson’s name will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot as a Democrat to challenge State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, according to a decision by the state’s electoral board Aug. 26.
A hearing officer already had recommended that she remain on the ballot.
Robertson of St. Charles said her attorney called to tell her the board’s decision.
“I’m delighted that Illinois District 65 voters will have a choice between a scientist and a lawyer,” said Robertson, a scientist.
Kenneth Shepro, an attorney from Wayne and former Kane County Republican Chairman, had challenged Robertson’s nominating papers as insufficient.
Shepro disagreed with the electoral board’s decision.
“Obviously, it’s another candidate who didn’t follow the rules and gets a free pass from the election authority,” Shepro said.
“I stand by my earlier comments. You want to make laws but not have to follow them. You want to be elected using the wrong form and you think you’re going to Springfield and make laws for us,” Shepro said. “I’d feel the same way if it were one of my people. If you don’t like it, repeal it, amend it, but don’t ignore it and write a decision that justifies not following your own rules.”
Shepro filed the objection to Robertson’s nominating papers, asserting they were insufficient in several areas. He said insufficient information included that each nominating paper stated she was slated for the June 28 primary – not the Nov. 8 general election – and that the signatures were not collected during the legal period for the general election.
Robertson said volunteers who collected signatures for her signed affidavits attested to the correct legal period for the November election.
The 65th Illinois Representative District covers portions of Kane and southern McHenry counties, which includes Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Campton Hills, Hampshire, Huntley, Pingree Grove, Batavia and Geneva.
Ugaste of Geneva is seeking his third term.