Endorsement: Solano for Senate Dist. 31

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Voters who look at candidate ahead of party face a difficult choice in the race for Illinois Senate Dist. 31.

Not that Democrat Mary Edly-Allen and Republican Adam Solano aren't reliable representatives of their parties' traditional values. Edly-Allen, an educator at Mundelein High School and former state representative from Libertyville, is a solid voice for such traditional Democratic positions as abortion rights, climate policy, criminal justice reform and more. Solano, a financial adviser from Third Lake, is concerned about corruption in Illinois politics, skeptical of the merits of the SAFE-T Act and determined to focus on managing government spending to create what he sees as a better and more stable long-term financial position for the state.

Yet, both candidates also approach the role of legislator with assertive independence and a recognition of the need to operate cooperatively in a body made up of diverse personalities and points of view. Indeed, both would make good state senators.

Our decision tilts toward Solano. We're confident he would present thoughtful and constructive challenges for both parties in a Senate that is likely to remain in Democratic control. Solano gets out endorsement.

Senate Dist. 31 encompasses a range of communities in the northeastern corner of the state, including Libertyville, Round Lake Beach, Grayslake and Zion.