Independent voters group endorses Bean's opponent

A group representing Illinois independent voters has endorsed the first-time candidate trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean.

The Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization is backing Randi Scheurer of Lindenhurst in the Feb. 5 Democratic primary for the 8th District.

Scheurer said she was really pleased to get the group's support.

"The IVI-IPO really resonates with the grassroots and the community, and they talk about what the people in the community need," she said. "It's a good fit with the values and the issues that I stand for in my campaign."

Scheurer's campaign has stressed her anti-war stance and has attacked Bean's positions on the war and other issues.

A Bean spokesman declined to comment. A spokesman for the IVI-IPO could not be reached.

The IVI-IPO is a not-for-profit, multipartisan, independent political organization and lobbying group. It focuses on candidates in the Chicago area.

The organization endorsed Bean, of Barrington, in her successful 2004 campaign against longtime Republican incumbent Phil Crane.

The group didn't endorse any of the three 8th District candidates in 2006.

The district includes northwest Cook, western Lake and eastern McHenry counties.