State House Dist. 57: Nekritz

For four terms, Democrat Elaine Nekritz of Glenview, has represented the 57th House District that includes parts of Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Niles, Glenview and Northbrook.

This fall, she faces Republican Richard Hamen, a Prospect Heights alderman.

The clear choice is Nekritz. She has been a leader in the House and the suburbs, repeatedly demonstrating rare courage. She is the first member of a majority party in 20 years to vote against the rules offered by her own leader, powerful House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

We urge her to keep it up.

She also is one of the few we've encountered who isn't afraid to say a tax increase will be needed to help fix the state's budget mess.

Nekritz was among a group to offer millions in cuts, as well as a better budgeting process.

We disagree with her rejection of some ethics reforms, but it's clear she has reasoned views.

Hamen talks about problems, but offers few solutions.

He was convicted in May of driving without insurance and of two DUIs in the 1990s.