Choose Scheurer over Bean in 8th

The declining fortunes of working/middle class families is easily traced to the boilerplate and funds-driven politics embodied in 8th District incumbent Melissa Bean. Being a self-declared "moderate" is perfect cover for accommodating her client contributors. She rubber-stamped lobbyist drafted legislation like the bankruptcy, energy and anti-consumer health plan bills.

For just a few bucks, she'll vote for any unfair "free" trade bill.

If you recall, she cast a deciding vote for CAFTA. In the '06 election, Melissa Bean expressed serious doubts about the Iraq war.

But she has been an early supporter and consistent appropriator for this mindless debacle. Oh, and so much for the fiscal restraint of her pay/go platitudes.

Talking one way while voting another is part of her "moderate" patina. When Bean voted to eliminate the estate tax, she was heralded as being "responsive to her constituents in this Republican district."

Earth to Bean (and local press): well over 95 percent of 8th District voters are not the multimillionaires who are affected by what remains of the estate tax.

As the northeast Elgin canvasser on Bean's behalf in 2004, I once had the opportunity to personally ask Melissa what she really wanted to accomplish in Washington, D.C.

Without hesitation, she lamented the high cost of health insurance for employers. How sad that such could evolve into the corporate welfare she's pushing in her plan for full tax deductibility of private premiums.

Let's give her predecessor, Phil Crane this much credit: he said and voted what he meant.

Still, we don't need two Republicans on our November ballots again. Vote for Randi Scheurer in the Feb. 5 Democratic primary.

John Paul Godinez

Elgin