U.S. House race pits veteran against newcomer

The race for the 16th Congressional District in northern Illinois might be of David versus Goliath proportions pitting the mayor of a city with a population of about 25,000 against an incumbent who is seeking re-election to his 10th term.

But Democratic challenger George Gaulrapp, of Freeport, says he has what it takes to unseat the veteran Republican from Egan, Don Manzullo.

Gaulrapp, who is serving his second term as mayor, said his commitment to getting constituents back to work makes him right for the job.

“I want to see people go back to work; I want to see people have great self esteem and contribute to their communities, Gaulrapp said during a recent editorial board interview with the Daily Herald. “It is just a fact that when you don't have a job, reckless things happen. Good people do things that are questionable just to survive.

The challenger also touted his pledge for transparent government and communication.

“We're in tune with what America is going through. We're in tune with what our residents are going through, said Gaulrapp, who accused Manzullo of living full time in Washington, D.C. “We're not lost 850 miles away.

Manzullo, however, said his record supports his bid for re-election.

“When you send a member back to Congress, you have to take a look at the accomplishments that person has made, Manzullo said during the editorial board interview. “I am the rated the most fiscally conservative member of the Illinois delegation, of the 21 members in Congress, Manzullo said. “And number two, I have kept my promise to the folks of McHenry County on the priorities of roads, rail and infrastructure, and that's why the folks here continue to send me back with good margins.

Manzullo said he does not support stimulus packages, calling them “a waste of money. Instead, he said he would back a hefty transportation bill.

“That will put people back to work, Manzullo said. “It will spend hundreds of millions of dollars on the needed infrastructure that we need in this country on the roads and bridges. And it will be totally paid for by the Motor Fuel Tax and won't go to the deficit.

In 2008, Manzullo received about 61 percent of the votes in defeating Democratic challenger Robert Abboud.