Senator Dave Koehler and Sally Owns run for Illinois Senator in District 46

NORMAL, Ill, – Dave Kohler and Sally Owens are vying for a spot in office as the Senator for Illinois in Legislative District 46

Koehler is the incumbent candidate in this race and is no stranger to the campaigning process. Koehler has been serving in his position since 2006 and hopes to continue to be able to voice his progressive views in the state senate. 

“In politics, you have to understand how to get things done, and you get things done by building positive relationships with people.  That means you know how to work with them,” Koehler said.

Senator Koehler serves on the state higher education committee, which he claims has allowed him to better understand issues within and around universities.  He also has a personal relationship with ISU President Aondover Tarhule and other ISU administration members that he believes helps him better understand the university’s functions and finances.

“Sharon Chung and I are getting ready to submit some legislation that will help ISU in particular, because ISU, to my surprise, is at the bottom of the list in terms of state support per capita,” Koehler said.

Senator Koehler prioritizes the community’s movement away from fossil fuels towards renewable, clean energy.  He is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1556, which focuses on pursuing clean energy specifically in the transportation sector.  Koehler claims that transportation is an important area to focus on for mitigating climate change, as it accounts for a large proportion of fossil fuels and has clean existing alternatives.

“I consider myself to be a pragmatic environmentalist.  I think we have to do everything possible to reduce carbon in our atmosphere, but in doing that we need to recognize the realities of progress.”  Koehler said.

The Republican candidate for Illinois’ 46th legislative district is Sally Owens, who declined a request for an interview.  Owens has experience as a small business consultant, primarily in the healthcare sector.  She also identifies as a devoted parent and avid dog lover. 

In terms of policies, Owens is campaigning for reforms for the criminal justice system, platforming parents’ voices in shaping the education system and general tax cuts.