Endorsement: Duckworth over Walsh in 8th Congressional District

While we never have endorsed Rep. Joe Walsh of McHenry and do not intend to do so here, we have developed a greater respect for him during his time in office. He’s held an unprecedented number of town halls and made commitments to turn down pensions and government-paid health care that are admirable. While strident in his views and unorthodox in his delivery, the Tea Party Republican usually (with some notable exceptions) is respectful toward those who disagree, We share his concern about the large fiscal challenges facing the nation. Where we must part ways, however, is over the obstructionism of his methods in Washington. With problems so great, we need a Congress that works together on solutions, and Walsh in his first term showed no inclination to do so (although he has indicated he would be more collaborative if he wins a second term). Our endorsement instead goes to former Veterans Affairs leader Tammy Duckworth, a war veteran from Hoffman Estates, who has campaigned as a constructive, bipartisan problem solver and would eschew extreme rhetoric in favor of thoughtfully working together. We think she would be the kind of moderate Blue Dog Democrat who reflects the new 8th District, which takes in portions of western Cook, northern DuPage and eastern Kane counties.