Endorsement: Gryder for Republicans in Congress District 14 Endorsement: Gryder for District 14 Republican primary

The five candidates in the District 14 Republican primary voice similar concerns when they talk about their reasons for trying to unseat incumbent Lauren Underwood in the fall: border security, energy independence, spending controls, election integrity.

Underwood won reelection in 2020, but it was close. She could be vulnerable this year, and Republicans are eager to reclaim the district. Most of the conservative candidates vying to do so, however, would have a difficult time winning over moderates. Intractability and name-calling will be a hindrance in the general election, and whoever takes on Underwood must appeal to centrists concerned about inflation, energy needs, abortion and, yes, the future of our planet.

That person will need experience, knowledge and a willingness to reach across the aisle. Of the five candidates in this race, Scott Gryder has the greatest chance of meeting that bar.

As chairman of the Kendall County Board, he has much-needed governmental experience. While all the candidates oppose abortion, he allows for exceptions in the case of rape, incest and the life of the mother.

We disagree with Gryder on some issues, including climate change, as he expressed doubts on the industrial revolution having an effect on global climate and called warnings about climate change "a little bit overblown." But of the five candidates in the 14th, he is best prepared to face Underwood.

Opponent James Marter, for example, refuses to accept the legitimacy of Joe Biden's presidency. His insistence that the current Congress does "nothing" right, his harsh rhetoric and his hard-line takes on immigration and other issues leave little room for working with those who do not share his opinions. We fear the same from Mike Koolidge and Jack Lombardi.

Jaime Milton is more measured in her words and stresses a need for unity, but her early association with the Kingdom Conservative Party, wisely dropped, raises concerns that she is not ready for Congress.

Scott Gryder is endorsed.