Endorsement: Illinois House 48, GOP

Voters in the 48th House District will choose from among three solid candidates in the Feb. 5 Republican primary. Incumbent Rep. Jim Meyer is retiring. The three are Michael Connelly, a Lisle attorney serving on the DuPage County board; Douglas Krause, a Naperville real estate broker serving on the Naperville City Council; and Dave Carlin, a Naperville resident and former executive director of the DuPage Republican Party serving on the College of DuPage board. The district covers portions of Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge and Wheaton.

All three seem to share many of the same values and views. They blame the state's financial woes on Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Democrats for creating programs and mandates without funding. They support making use of at least the one remaining casino license.

And while they oppose tax increases -- Krause has even taken a "no new taxes" pledge -- they also point to the need to bolster mass transit, improve roads such as Route 59 and develop the STAR rail line.

We like Doug Krause's experience on the city council and his approach to most issues. But he has unsuccessfully run three times for mayor of Naperville and we believe his true passion rests with serving the city. Dave Carlin's behind-the-scenes experience with the GOP would give him a head start in Springfield and we like his enthusiasm.

But we endorse Mike Connelly, who built a strong record during his stint on the Lisle village board, especially by helping broker the deal that led to construction of a top-notch sports facility shared by the village and Benedictine University. He's done a solid job in his rookie year on the county board and during his political career has demonstrated the kind of imagination, determination and independence that can serve his district well in Springfield.