Democrats should choose Link for lieutenant governor

For Democratic voters, choosing one of the six candidates for lieutenant governor is more a process of elimination than a ringing endorsement.

State Rep. Art Turner is knowledgeable. But we are uncomfortable with his endorsement from the already-too-powerful House Speaker Mike Madigan.

We have little common ground with state Sen. Rickey Hendon, who supports free public transit for seniors and championed a $40 million Chicago State expansion that university officials didn't even seek.

Newcomer Thomas Castillo of Elmhurst, an unemployed electrical worker, brings heart to the race. But his lack of experience and endorsements make him too much of an unknown to win our support. Chicagoan Scott Lee Cohen is a self-financed candidate with a lot to say but little substance.

That leaves two sitting members of the Illinois General Assembly: state Sen. Terry Link of Waukegan and state Rep. Mike Boland of East Moline. Both support a graduated income tax and luxury taxes. Both also enthusiastically support expanded gambling to raise revenue. While we do not oppose gambling, we prefer a more measured approach than either offers.

Boland has a background in education and enthusiasm for environmental legislation. We're not comfortable with his decision to award a legislative scholarship to a relative of a very generous campaign contributor.

Link is best known for sponsoring the smoking ban. He also championed legislation that would have allowed police to use cameras to catch speeders. These are similar to the red-light cameras that have caused so much debate in the suburbs. We believe his push was premature.

More importantly, he talks about the need for "a laserlike focus on controlled spending," but also emphasizes the need to generate more revenue.

Link gets our endorsement.