Endorsement: U.S. House 10

Democratic voters in the 10th Congressional District, which spans parts of Northwest Cook and eastern Lake County, are in an enviable position. They get to choose between two well-qualified, articulate candidates seeking to challenge Highland Park Republican Mark Kirk in the fall.

Dan Seals, 36, a Wilmette resident, wants to give Kirk a second run after finishing with a head-turning 47 percent in his first run two years ago. Jay Footlik, 42, of Buffalo Grove is a former Clinton aide and Middle East consultant who believes he has superior experience.

Actually, both men have an impressive mix of experience that includes work outside the U.S. and in Washington, D.C. Seals taught English in Japan and worked in the U.S. Senate.

Seals' and Footlik's differences on issues are subtle. Footlik would station troops near Iraq offshore, while Seals leans toward creating different regions for warring factions.

Both candidates are well-versed and provide thoughtful answers on education, immigration, health care and job creation.

We were impressed by Seals two years ago and remain so. In a close call, Seals wins our support for recognizing Mexico must be involved in solving the illegal immigration problem and for understanding school performance must rise because not enough graduates are ready to succeed in the workplace.