Endorsement: U.S. House 9

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of Evanston is in her fifth term representing the 9th Congressional District that includes portions of Des Plaines and Rosemont. Before that, she served for eight years in the Illinois House.

Schakowsky, 63, faces a Democratic primary challenge from first-time candidate and lawyer John Nocita of Chicago.

Nocita, 44, did not keep an appointment for an endorsement interview nor offer an explanation for his absence.

However, his campaign Web site features support for legislation in contradiction to separation of church and state, such as tax credits for parents who send their children to private schools. He also seems to be engaging in fear-mongering, through his Web site, by claiming the incumbent has supported Islam. That ought to alarm anyone who values religious freedom and religious tolerance.

Schakowsky's views often are more liberal than ours, but she makes a strong argument that she is in touch with the views of her diverse constituents, noting more than half are immigrants or children of immigrants.

Her influence in Congress has grown over time, especially so since Democrats took control of the House. Schakowsky's fellow House Democrats have elected her to their leadership team, which should help her continue to secure needed funding for flood control and other projects back home.

Schakowsky voted against the Iraq war resolution and would bring troops home as soon as possible so that war funding could be spent domestically, while Nocita would take at least 18 months to bring troops home.

Nocita opposes abortion except for cases of rape or incest while Schakowsky supports abortion rights.

While we don't always see eye to eye with Schakowsky, she has been an effective representative and is easily endorsed over the newcomer.