State Senate Dist. 25: Lauzen

With 18 years in General Assembly, 25th District state Sen. Chris Lauzen of Aurora is one of the area's longest-serving legislators.

Given the mess that is Springfield, some voters might want to throw him out with the other entrenched pols.

However, it easily can be demonstrated that Lauzen has been the anti-Springfield during his time in the legislature. He's fought his own Republican Party, sponsored term-limit legislation that would end his own political career, and even suggested former House Speaker Dennis Hastert give back his $500,000 retirement stipend.

In fact, the biggest knock on Lauzen is that he's been tilting at windmills so long many in the legislature no longer take him seriously.

That's the most compelling argument his Democratic opponent, Geneva school board member Leslie Juby, makes for replacing Lauzen. She strikes us as sincere and smart, but short on experience and knowledge of the players to make a difference.

Lauzen has some concrete and blunt ideas for solving the state budget mess that ought to be given serious consideration.

He is endorsed.