Dan Seals is the best choice

Yes, it's time for a Democrat to represent the 10th Congressional District.

Dan Seals' energy and commitment to the people of the 10th are witnessed weekly at coffee houses, homes and institutions to understand more about what we are all about.

Kirk's public appearances are highly guarded (police officers on hand at senior center and poisoned pet food town hall meetings), mentioned only to his supporters and never at all via his e-mail notification system. He sends lots of e-mails about his thoughts on non-controversial issues. Why not let us know when he is in town?

During Congress' recess last August, Mark Kirk ran away to China instead of taking the opportunity to "hang out" with us at the Iraq War Summer Rally. To date, he has not explained his votes that support the Iraq War or define at what point in the future should the United States bring its troops home.

Kirk's views do not represent the multi-faceted, educated community of the 10th. He stated at the Wheeling Senior Center town hall meeting that his happiest moment in Mexico was seeing the big "For Hire" signs at the border patrol stations. Just last month, Kirk voted in favor of a House resolution acknowledging and supporting the "role played by Christianity in the founding of the United States." He must have forgotten that the Pilgrims came in order to practice a religion without the trappings of government intervention and carried with them the Torah, the first book of the Bible. As a Jew, I celebrate Thanksgiving with pride in the abundance of faith peacefully celebrated in America.

Those votes do not demonstrate the independent, thoughtful leadership our country needs. If Mark Kirk were a true leader, he would not waive our rights under the "threat of terrorism" or diminish the existence of one religious group over another. We can do better.

Dan Seals favors pragmatic and economic solutions that reflect our social values. He has vocalized these time and again and will do so as our next Congressman. Vote for Dan Seals.

Stephanie A. Victor

Lake Forest