New Broom Coalition

Green Party's Alesch Will Not Seek Removal of Libertarian Opponent,
Calls on Rivals to Embrace Democracy

For immediate release
Monday, June 23, 2008

Patrick Kelly
Campaign Manager
Alesch for Congress
773-203-9631
patrick.kelly@votesteve.org

A.J. Segneri
Media Coordinator
Alesch for Congress
815-499-2765
aj.segneri@votesteve.org

Steve Alesch, Green Party candidate for the Illinois 13th
Congressional District, called on his established party rivals,
incumbent Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale) and Scott Harper
(D-Lockport), to refrain from orchestrating challenges to their newest
opponent, Eric Ferguson of Lockport. Ferguson, who is running as a
Libertarian, filed his petitions and statement of candidacy today with
the Illinois Board of Elections.

"Competition among parties and independents in our elections is a
healthy part of democracy," said Alesch. "And while we may not agree
on all the issues, I welcome the Libertarian Party into the race."

The Libertarian candidate, however, must survive a possible challenge
which may be filed in the next week.

"Republicans and Democrats have a long history of gaming the electoral
system to eliminate their competition," Alesch continued. "Voters in
the 13th district recognize this kind of 'win at all costs' mentality
has lead our country down the wrong path in recent years."

Alesch added: "It is troubling to see Republicans and Democrats amass
massive amounts of corporate campaign contributions to fund their
anti-democratic stunts, and often new parties are their targets.
Unfortunately, ballot access cases are heard by Republican- and
Democratic-appointed election board members who make decisions based
on what is best for their incumbents, not what is best for the voter."

"I hope Rep. Biggert and Mr. Harper respect our democracy enough to
let the voters, not their lawyers, decide this election," said Alesch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Steve Alesch for Congress, Illinois, 13th district
www.votesteve.org

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