Sheyman Brings a 'Truly Progressive Voice'

“Progressive!” is the catchphrase being used by Schneider, Tree, and Sheyman, the three most viable candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to run against Dold in the 10th District.

The Schneider campaign used the term at least 12 times in the dozen or so mailings sent to my house. Tree used it at least once in the half-dozen emails his campaign has sent to my inbox. And everyone lets the word slip in every time one of them is in front of a microphone, if only to remind us that here, in the newly redrawn 10th District, we finally have an opportunity to send a “Progressive” to Washington.

Well, like everything else, saying you’re a “Progressive” and actually being one are two different things.

Ilya Sheyman, unlike his opponents, has earned the right to use the term.

Ilya Sheyman has actively sought out ways in which he can make a difference. For over a year, Ilya has donated his time to facilitate job-interview workshops for people returning to civilian life after being incarcerated. He’s a founding member of Community Connection in Waukegan, an organization that helps connect citizens with the governmental and social services they need.

Ilya Sheyman knows how to bring people together. He’s mobilized thousands to unite with one voice to bring about meaningful change, whether fighting for healthcare reform nationwide or for fairer public school funding in Lake County.

I urge all my fellow Democrats across the District not to squander our chance to send a truly Progressive voice to Congress. Join me in casting your Primary ballot for Ilya Sheyman.

Yes, Ilya Sheyman, at 25, is young, but I hasten to add that he has done more to advance the Progressive causes he proudly embraces than the other two candidates combined. And besides, here is a bit of history to provide you with some perspective: Sir Winston Churchill became a Member of the British Parliament at the age of 26. Sometimes when you're destined to make history, you have to start young.

Elizabeth Bloom Albert

Highland Park