Hamos up with pro-public option ad

Democratic state Rep. Julie Hamos is taking to the TV this weekend, running a cable ad pushing President Barack Obama's public health insurance option as she kick starts her run for Congress in the North suburbs.

"We have to let Congress know that real health care reform demands a public option," the veteran Evanston lawmaker says into the camera. "Our fight for change is just beginning."

Hamos is the first of four candidates in the Democratic primary to put up a TV ad to woo voters in the 10th District covering the eastern half of Lake County and parts of northwest Cook County. The seat is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, who is running for U.S. Senate instead of seeking a sixth term in the House. Kirk doesn't support a public option.

Three of the four Democratic primary candidates for Kirk's seat offer blanket support for a public health insurance option as part of national health care reform. Aside from Hamos, supporters include Highland Park attorney Elliot Richardson and two-time challenger Dan Seals of Wilmette.

"I have been talking to folks in the district about this for some time," said Seals, who ran unsuccessfully against Kirk twice, but gained support from national Democrats. "The public option is the best way to lower costs, expand coverage and provide a choice."

Financial consultant Milton Sumption of Lake Bluff says he would prefer to reduce health insurance costs and increase competition without a public option. But he said Friday that he "would support a public option in cases where it is not possible to increase access and affordability through market based means."

The primary is Feb. 2.