Is another moderate voice what we need?

During the course of her campaign, some have cited Dianne McGuire's calling her opponent "extreme" on some of her views as "negative politics".

Dianne based her claim on data from Illinois Citizens for Life, who gave her opponent a "perfect" score for not supporting women's right to choose safe health decisions for themselves.

Whether or not one agrees with that view, it is certainly proper to call that position extreme - just as it would be had views been exactly the opposite. Using and qualifying data to point out their differences to voters is exactly what candidates should be doing and Dianne's tempered views shine through when she does this.

Second, some say Dianne is not "moderate" enough. I question in these times of corruption and economic uncertainty whether another moderate voice is really what we need.

Perhaps we need someone willing and able to stand up to the gridlock in Springfield and take positions not always in concert with party lines.

Dianne states this is what needs to be done. Let's give her a chance to keep her word and represent the 96th District rather than special interests.

Alton Mitchell

Naperville