Kirk, Garrett show real independence

As a 10th Congressional District resident, I am immensely proud of our independence and open-mindedness.

We are one of the most highly educated districts in the country and our politicians defy the usual Republican/Democrat orthodoxy.

I am writing to applaud two elected representatives who exemplify this ideal.

First is Susan Garrett, my state senator, who voted recently for the recall amendment even though she is a Democrat and many of her party allies voted against it.

Second is our Congressman, Mark Kirk, who has an unmatched record of bi-partisanship and is regularly rated as being in the center of the House of Representatives politically.

For both of these outstanding legislators, whether their "team" supports a bill isn't the main determinant of how they vote.

They vote for the right thing, regardless of party lines.

That's how I and my neighbors like our representatives -- thoughtful and independent.

With so many things going wrong in the state and the country today, many legislators deserve to be defeated in November.

But we shouldn't make the mistake of throwing out the good with the bad. That is why I will be voting to re-elect Mark Kirk and Susan Garrett and I call on everyone who appreciates thoughtful and bipartisan representation to do the same.

Edward Murphy

Des Plaines