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WGLT's reporting on the November 2020 election cycle.

Democrat Cline To Run For McLean County Board

Lea Cline
Facebook
Democrat Lea Cline of Bloomington.

With over a year to go until Election Day 2020, at least one contested race is shaping up for McLean County Board.

Democrat Lea Cline of Bloomington said Wednesday she plans to run for County Board in District 8, which includes downtown and much of west Bloomington. That seat is now held by Democrat Carlo Robustelli, who is not seeking a third term.

Republican Jordan Baker, a student at Illinois Wesleyan University, is also running in District 8.

Cline is an art history professor at Illinois State University. She is chair of the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission and has served as an election judge and polling coordinator with the Bloomington Election Commission. 

“I have big shoes to fill, given Carlo's long and distinguished service to our community,” Cline said in a statement. “I hope to continue his advocacy for our historic neighborhoods and infrastructure, and the safeguarding and improvement of services for our community's most vulnerable residents.” 

Cline said her work with the BEC inspired her to advocate “for free and fair access to the polls, as well as election security in our county."

“My experience working as a faculty member at ISU has made me keenly aware of the difficulty that many of our residents, both youth and adults, face when seeking adequate, long-term treatment for mental health,” Cline said. “All of these issues inform me as a resident of McLean County and will guide and shape my service to the McLean County Board.”

Robustelli said Wednesday on Facebook that he was “very excited” to see Cline announce her candidacy.

“I hope my supporters will take the time to get to know Lea and learn about her passion for our historic neighborhoods and the future of our community,” he said. “Lea is thoughtful, progressive, and passionate about moving our community forward.”

Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
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