State House District 43: Farnham

Two years ago, Democrat Keith Farnham rode the Obama wave to narrowly oust incumbent Republican state Rep. Ruth Munson in the 43rd District.

Now Munson wants her old seat back.

But we believe Farnham, after his first 21 months in public office, deserves to keep it. The Navy veteran and retired union painter has tirelessly fought for money and jobs for his constituents.

He proposed an update of the state's school funding formula to give Elgin Area School District U-46 an additional $22 million next year. Farnham lobbied hard to persuade Gov. Pat Quinn to sign the bill, but to no avail though the bill had received wide support from both parties.

That's where Farnham's strength lies: He can build relationships both in his community and in Springfield.

He is reform minded, feels he has nothing to lose and is unafraid to vote for what is right instead of what's politically expedient.

Farnham subscribes to the idea that in a crisis lies opportunity, and he has earned our endorsement.