Kane chairman candidates try to end mudslinging

Some Republican observers of the 2008 14th Congressional District race believe it was the mud dripping from the GOP candidates during the primary that resulted in Democrat Bill Foster’s upset victory.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns and state Sen. Chris Lauzen were two of the Republicans vying for that seat. They’re meeting again in a contest for Kane County Board chairman. This time they hope to keep it clean.

Lauzen is convinced he did himself in with an ill-conceived cartoon in that prior campaign that some people believed depicted fellow GOP challenger Jim Oberweis’ wife in an unflattering way. Lauzen said it didn’t, but in hindsight, the real mistake was trying to be snarky at all.

To that end, he’s pledged himself to a mud-free code of conduct for the chairman’s race.

“Although documented contrasting position comparisons are fair game in any political campaign, I hope that voters will evaluate each candidate upon his/her academic training and record, their professional achievements, and their political and true management experience, rather than tolerating the destructive mudslinging that has become, unfortunately, commonplace,” Lauzen said in a written statement.

In recent years the phenomenon of semi-anonymous, third-party groups launching attacks on candidates has also emerged. In an interview, Lauzen said he can’t be responsible nor control the actions of others. He vowed to discredit such anonymous attacks, should they arise, against his opponents.

Burns is notorious for his quick wit when it comes to making a point or taking a shot at a political opponent. That wit was on display from the very beginning of Lauzen’s entry into the congressional race. Burns immediately sent out a news release accusing Lauzen of imitating his own tour of the district and said he found it “the greatest form of flattery” that Lauzen would follow in his footsteps.

Asked Tuesday about keeping the mud out of the race for chairman, Burns said he agrees with Lauzen’s concept. However, there’s a fine line between creating contrasts and pointing fingers, he said.

“I think the key word is ‘differentiate,’ ” Burns said. “‘Differentiate’ does not necessarily mean discredit or become accusatory, but it is important that we differentiate in this race with respect to the record, accomplishments and the ability to lead.”

That differentiation will come right away for voters. As part of his code of conduct, Lauzen also pledged to decline all pension and health insurance benefits that come with the chairman position.

All elected officials in Kane County can opt in or out of pension benefits through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. There also does not appear to be any requirement to participate in the county’s health plan, according to Human Resources Director Sheila McCraven.

Burns said he would look into the ability to accept or reject the pension. However, Burns would take the health insurance offered by the county.

“I’m not going to sacrifice health care coverage for my three daughters for the sake of political gamesmanship,” Burns said.

Lauzen’s pledge seems like an attempt to deflect attention away from the pension he will receive for his 20 years spent as a state senator, Burns said.

Lauzen said he won’t forgo that state pension benefit. He believes he earned it in his 20 years of service. However, he pledged to not withdraw “even one cent” from any pension funds due to him beyond what he has already contributed and earned on those contributions.

As mayor of Geneva, Burns has no state pension nor health insurance benefits. Burns said he has health insurance through his corporate employer.

Tactics: Candidates agree on idea that comparisons, not accusations are the goal