For House District 50, GOP: Hatcher

We said in October 2008 that voters would do well to send Kay Hatcher to Springfield to represent the 50th House District, and we see no compelling reason today why she should not get her party's support.

The Republican primary for the seat is between Hatcher of Yorkville, real estate broker Bob McQuillan of Geneva, and small business owner Keith Wheeler of Oswego.

Since taking over for retired Rep. Patricia Lindner, Hatcher has done well as a first-time legislator. Her extensive political background on the Oswego school board, the Kendall County Board and the Kendall County Forest Preserve District has all helped solidify her reputation as fiscally conservative yet socially moderate. She seems genuine in her desire to work to consensus rather than drawing a line in the sand. That, combined with her vast experience in business and nonprofits gives her an understanding of the state's issues her opponents cannot match.

McQuillan is smart and interested in saving taxpayers' money. Never a bad thing. He is co-founder of the citizens group For Accountable Controlled Tax Spending, which focuses on public school finances. Wheeler is an advocate of small business, speaks well on what ails the state, but lacks experience.

While the machinations with the Democrats in Springfield are upsetting to her (she referenced "good legislation disappearing into a black hole,") Hatcher realizes that standing out in a field by yourself on principle doesn't get much accomplished, and that compromise and communication are key to the process, especially when your party is in the minority. She says of the Democrats: "Their votes gave us programs we could not afford. ... It will be a different Illinois one year from now. It has to be."

When your first vote as a legislator is to impeach the governor, things can only get easier.