Endorsement: Illinois House 96, GOP

Two relatively fresh faces hope to woo Republican voters in the Feb. 5 primary in the 96th House District, which covers western Naperville, eastern Aurora and a small part of Warrenville. Darlene Senger of Naperville is a financial adviser and member of the Naperville City Council. Michael Bowler of Aurora is a commercial insurance broker and was co-chairman of Illinois State Young Republicans from 2004 to 2007. Both decided to seek the GOP nod for a spot on the November ballot after state Rep. Joe Dunn announced he would not seek re-election.

The two differ on a handful of issues. Bowler, for example, says there may be some benefit to leasing or selling assets such as the tollways or lottery; Senger opposes the concept. Senger says she's concerned about simply throwing money at education for the sake of spending money; Bowler says he'd need to take a closer look at various funding options.

Bowler looks to be a high-energy guy who touts his experience as a legislative aide to both former Illinois House Republican leader Lee Daniels and State Rep. Jim Meyer and says he will be able to hit the ground running in Springfield.

Senger is a lower-key candidate who says she has experience working as an elected official and a better handle on the district's cultural and economic diversity.

The key difference is experience. We like Bowler's enthusiasm, but he has never held an elected office, having failed in his bid for the College of DuPage board of trustees in 2004.

We endorse Senger, with the understanding she'll face a learning curve in Springfield. We believe her experience on the council will serve her well and the grass-roots feel of her campaign will allow her to be of an independent voice. She also has served with distinction on both the Naperville plan commission and the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation. The winner will face Democrat Dianne McGuire, who is running unopposed in her party's primary.