Steans, who represents the 7th District, said she will be focusing on pension reform, disability advocacy and institutional reform, among other things. Cassidy, who represents the 14th District, said she will work on the public, safety, foreclosure prevention and LGBT protections.

Both Cassidy and Steans have been in talks in recent weeks about re-introducing marriage legislation. Cassidy said that will be a priority this session.

"As a member of the LGBT community, I am deeply personally committed to marriage equality," Cassidy said.

In addition, Cassidy said, she wants to introduce a family medical leave act for Illinois that includes civil-union protections. The federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents same-sex spouses from benefiting from the federal act, she said. As a consequence, many LGBT spouses in Illinois cannot take time off work to look after a sick partner or child.

Cassidy also said she would be working on education issues and anti-bullying efforts.

Additionally, both said they are working with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) officials on revamping the CTA's Red Line. Red Line stations will be getting makeovers within the next 18 months. In the coming years, the line could be revamped entirely.

However, Steans and Cassidy agreed that the most pressing issue is the state budget.

"The next couple of years are going to be very brutal in that we're going to have to make tough decisions around the budget," Steans said.

Basta holds Rogers

Park fundraiser

By Kate Sosin

More than 40 supporters attended a Rogers Park fundraiser for 14th District State Rep. candidate Paula Basta at The Glenwood Bar.

The informal fundraiser was one of several held recently for Basta, an out lesbian, who faces a tough Democratic primary race against incumbent Kelly Cassidy, also an out lesbian.

Few politicians attended the Jan. 25 fundraiser, a fact noted by many Basta staffers who say they are with the non-establishment candidate.

"We are not the Democratic Party's candidate, but we are the people's candidate," said Basta to supporters. "We will not have the institutional support, but we will have your support."

Basta is running on a platform of fighting cuts to services for families and seniors.

While she boasts a history of activism within the LGBT community, including past service on the board of Equality Illinois, Basta has not secured the same number of big-name endorsements as primary opponent Cassidy.

Basta and her team highlighted that fact at the recent fundraiser, pitching their campaign as one driven by community members rather than political power.

Bridget Dooley, a consultant for Basta's campaign, said that Basta's history is one of a neighborhood leader, not a politician.

"Paula's life of service has included real work with real people," Dooley said. "This is someone who is deeply prepared to handle the needs of the people of the 14th District."

Basta and Cassidy will face off in the March 20 primary.

Cassidy gets

48th Ward Dem

endorsement

BY KATE SOSIN

Kelly Cassidy is the 48th Ward Democratic Committee's choice for 14th District representative. The committee threw its weight behind Cassidy at a Jan. 29 endorsement session at Edgewater's Broadway Armory Park.

Cassidy and Paula Basta, both members of the LGBT community, will face off in the Democratic primary March 20.

Basta did not attend the endorsement session, resulting in little consideration from the committee on her candidacy. Her campaign has commented in recent weeks that she lacks support from party politicians, a fact Basta does not shy from. Basta's campaign has said they are running the independent candidate, arguing that she is connected more to people than to politicians.

Talk of an independent candidate appeared to confuse 48th Ward Democrats, who briefly questioned if Basta was running as an Independent, and not a Democrat.

Committeeman Carol Ronen confirmed that Basta was, in fact, running as a Democrat, but little discussion about her candidacy followed.

Cassidy made her case to the committee, stating she hit the ground running when she took office in May. Cassidy also noted that she had turned down an endorsement inquiry from the National Rifle Association.

"I intend to be the loudest, most obnoxious opponent of conceal and carry," she said, adding that with Illinois being the last state to pass conceal and carry gun laws, it would likely be a difficult fight.

Ald. Harry Osterman, who preceded Cassidy on the job, also endorsed Cassidy.

The committee voted to endorse Cassidy 40 to zero, with two abstentions.

Osterman also presented the new 48th Ward map, which he said left the Edgewater neighborhood intact.