State House, Dist. 64: Tryon

Challenger Robert Kaempfe, a Democrat from Crystal Lake, is making his second bid for a seat in the state legislature for reasons most Illinois voters probably identify with.

He's “aggravated with how things are run."

The thing is, so is Republican incumbent Mike Tryon, and, since 2004, Tryon's been doing what he can as a member of the minority party to try to change them.

Tryon argues forcefully for changes in the way the state handles its budget and, among his many ideas, has sponsored legislation designed to bring more honesty into the budgeting process. He's an advocate for transparency in government and can cite specific areas where the state budget can be cut.

We don't agree with him on many of his social positions, but he represents the district well and his reasoned independence will be valued in the legislature.

Tryon is endorsed.