Kirk independent from president

In a recent letter to the Fence Post, Rolling Meadows resident Phil Graf writes Congressman Mark Kirk is very good on most issues that the voters of the 10th District are concerned about.

He even states that Kirk is a nice guy. These are all things most of us can agree upon.

But then Mr. Graf lapses into the old and tired flim-flam numbers game of "but Kirk is really a conservative who voted with President Bush 90 percent of the time."

Here's what is wrong with Mr. Graf's statement. Most of the "90 percent" vote with President Bush" are procedural congressional housekeeping votes.

If you look at other Illinois congresspersons votes in both parties, you will find many of them voted the same way Kirk did on many of these same votes.

The truth is that Kirk is consistently moderate and independent who represents our district very well.

Here's something else to keep in mind. The League of Conservation voters ranks our elected officials according to their votes on the environment.

Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama received a 67 percent rating from this group.

Kirk received a 90 percent rating from this same group.

This is only one issue among many where Kirk is an outstanding leader among his colleagues.

Mark Kirk's brand of independent, thoughtful and effective leadership has served our district very well. This is why we need him to continue to be our congressman.

Renee Thaler

Northbrook