Endorsement: Quigley for the Democrats in Congress Dist. 5

Mike Quigley has been in Congress since 2009 and has been a reliably progressive voice on immigration, net neutrality, gay rights and reinstating the ban on assault weapons, among other issues. He also has been a thoughtful Democratic voice, avoiding histrionics even in these polarizing times.

Nowhere is that more valued right now than in his participation on the House Intelligence Committee, a hugely important role given the investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. Quigley has been active on the committee and has exercised good judgment despite the politicization the process has undergone. Ironically, in fact, Quigley is the true bipartisan representative on what's turned out to be a very partisan committee.

And while the Trump years won't be the best time to bring federal pork home to Chicago and the suburbs, he did secure $1 billion to begin modernizing the Red and Purple "L" lines in Chicago, necessary to keep Chicago and the region a thriving hub for business and transportation.

We endorse Quigley for the Democratic nomination also because we believe his positions are largely in line with the moderate to progressive 5th congressional district, which covers much of Chicago's North side and a suburban area that includes Rosemont, parts of Des Plaines and Elk Grove Village, Bensenville and Oak Brook Terrace.

He is opposed by three challengers, all who live in Chicago: Sameena Mustafa, a commercial real estate tenant advocate and former Planned Parenthood manager; Steven J. Schwartzberg, the former building and office manager for Church of Our Saviour; and Benjamin Thomas Wolf, an adjunct professor of government and political science at Roosevelt University.