Endorsement: Schneider for Congress, Dist. 10
For a political newcomer, Republican Lake Forest businessman Jim Carris brings an impressive cooperative spirit and a fairly well honed political vision to the race for Congress from District 10, but even so, he faces an uphill struggle on both those points, and more, in his bid to unseat five-term incumbent Democrat Brad Schneider.
Schneider, of Highland Park, speaks proudly of his reputation for working with Republicans in Congress, and he ranks among the most bipartisan members of the House on Georgetown University’s Lugar Center and McCourt School of Public Policy bipartisan index. His acute familiarity with the details of issues ranging from immigration to gun control, foreign affairs and the economy make him a formidable representative for the interests of the 10th District and of the nation.
On immigration, he is a strong proponent of the Lankford compromise that became embroiled in politics last spring and recognizes that long-term comprehensive reform of the system must remain a policy priority. On economic issues, he sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and he points to his work on growth-oriented tax reforms, college and vocational school affordability and projects that promote business innovation and scientific research and development.
He an outspoken advocate for measures to protect the climate, and he has advanced important initiatives on gun control. He is an unyielding supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, yet speaks out on the need to end the suffering in the Mideast and build a lasting peace. He is similarly strident in his support for Ukraine and the need for a strong, cohesive NATO presence in Europe.
On many of these issues, Carris takes a more conservative approach, but is often not far out-of-step philosophically with the incumbent. What distinguishes them most is Schneider’s more refined and detailed background on the issues, and the undeniable level of energy he brings to the job. The race for the 10th District presents two good candidates, but they are not equal candidates. Schneider is clearly the best suited to represent the district and to help move the interests of the Congress and the nation forward in the next two years.