For House districts 51, 52, 53, 59, 61
Springfield is a mess under the dysfunctional Democratic grip of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Senate President Emil Jones and House Speaker Michael Madigan.
It's time for the voters to send a message. Incumbents, especially Democrats, who play along have to go. Those who fight politics-as-usual deserve another term.
House District 59
Democratic incumbent Kathleen Ryg is facing newcomer Daniel Sugrue in District 59. Sugrue, an attorney in Green Oaks, advocates a tough line on spending and no new spending unless cuts are made elsewhere. Ryg vows to change campaign finance rules so elected officials don't owe their votes to special interest or their party leaders and to fight the state's legislation negotiation process to break the gridlock between Madigan, Jones and Blagojevich. Ryg, who is endorsed, has fared well as a Democrat in a typically Republican area and, frustrated with Democratic leadership, has worked effectively with representatives from both parties and vows to withhold support from Madigan unless he changes.
House District 52
Voters in House District 52 can hear ideological similarities between Mark Beaubien, the GOP representative for the past 12 years, and Richard Garling, a Democratic trustee from Island Lake. The difference is in the details. Beaubien, one of the shining stars of the suburban delegation, sees the big picture and favors cutting red tape to bring new revenues and businesses to Illinois, while Garling, for example, advocates adding more layers of approval in a regional planning board. Beaubien, who is endorsed, exerts increasing leadership in the GOP and fights the General Assembly's frustrating inability to get things done. His seasoned intelligence will serve voters in District 52 far better than Garling's fire and frustration.
House District 51
In a matchup identical to two years ago, Democrat Amanda Howland is running against Republican incumbent Ed Sullivan in House District 51. Both Howland, a Lake Zurich attorney, and Sullivan express fiscally conservative views and are critical of the legislative gridlock in Springfield. Sullivan has earned a good reputation during his three terms in the House, but is ineligible for our endorsement because he holds a second elected office as Fremont Township assessor. Howland is endorsed for her solid grasp of the issues, intelligence and fresh perspective. If elected, Howland won't blindly toe the party line and will provide the challenge Democratic leadership needs.
House District 61
Republican incumbent JoAnn Osmond is endorsed over Democrat James Parks, a longtime Antioch businessman. Both Parks and Osmond are cognizant of the competition the district faces from nearby Wisconsin for jobs, residents and businesses, but Osmond's plans to break down regulations and find new revenues are stronger than Park's promise to woo new businesses and create a warehouse district with improved roads. Osmond's thorough understanding of the needs of her district with a promise of fiscal responsibility will benefit residents in District 61.
House District 53
Incumbent Republican Sidney H. Mathias of Buffalo Grove over Democrat Carol Javens of Wheeling, or Rob Sherman, also of Buffalo Grove, the Green party candidate. Say what you will about Mathias, but he stays in touch with his constituents.