Rep. Kirk's good, just not good enough

Like many political moderates in the 10th Congressional District, I believe Congressman Mark Kirk has been a good representative of our interests.

He has been a strong supporter of the environment, health care for our veterans and education.

In 2008, however, good is not enough.

Kirk has failed our district and country in his support for the Iraq war. He has been a reliable vote for going to war and for the $600 billion in continued funding. Common sense taxpayers like myself just shake our heads at the advances in health care, education and the environment that $600 billion could have achieved.

This election, I'm switching my vote to challenger Dan Seals.

Like Barack Obama, Seals believes the Iraq war was misguided from the start. Like Obama, Seals supports a responsible time table for withdrawal. The Iraqi government needs a tangible incentive to take control of its territory, while U.S. troops need to be taken out of harm's way. Like Obama, Seals understands that the US needs to focus on other regions, like Afghanistan, that are key in the war on terror.

For these reasons, the 10th District needs a congressman who will bring change to Washington.

Ralph J. Banasiak

Palatine