10th Congressional hopefuls stress experience

In a race in which the rhetorical differences are subtle, both candidates for the Democratic nomination for the 10th Congressional District contend their backgrounds give them the best chance to effect change.

Jay Footlik, 42, of Buffalo Grove is making his first run at public office. Dan Seals, 36, of Wilmette weathered a primary two years ago before losing a surprisingly close race against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk.

At a debate hosted by the Political Action Club at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire on Wednesday, each said they give voters the best chance to unseat Kirk.

"Only one candidate up there last night has a record of accomplishment and achievement," Footlik said Thursday. "I think it gives you a leg up. If you've spent any time in Washington you know what works and doesn't work."

Footlik served as special assistant on domestic and foreign policy issues for President Bill Clinton. He also was a founding member of Securing America's Future Energy, a nonprofit designed to diminish U.S. dependence on oil as a national security imperative, and lived and worked in the Middle East as a consultant on security issues.

Seals was a presidential management fellow during the Clinton administration working to increase overseas markets for U.S. products. He also worked for Sen. Joseph Lieberman on economic development and policy.

"The best way to bring about change is to have someone who knows how Washington works but also knows how Washington doesn't work," he said at the forum.

Seals is characterizing himself as having an insider's savvy without the entrenched political baggage. He agreed Thursday that experience has become a focus in the campaign.

"There's this argument that the best agent of change is someone who has spent the bulk of their life in Washington … I disagree with that," he said.

At one point during the debate as the candidates answered a question about energy, Seals took issue with SAFE, saying it supported drilling in the Alaskan wildlife refuge areas.

Footlik shot back that he doesn't agree with all the group's positions.

"It just shows how unconcerned he seems to be about finding solutions," Footlik charged. "Name me one thing you have done to create real change in this area or in this country."

Seals said he has impacted students as a teacher and helped the working poor as a management fellow.

"In 2006, we changed this district," he said. "My record on change is great."