Checking the claims on House District 50 mailers

Every day brings a new set of glossy cards and pamphlets from candidates for office.

They either cite their own skills and character, or denounce those of their opponents.

Here's a look at some of the claims being made in the race for the Republican nomination for the House District 50.

Kay Hatcher, incumbent:Cites: Personal, business and legislative background, including memberships and offices held. A Monday mailing says she voted against tax increases, targeted wasteful spending on Budget Reform Task Force, sponsored legislation to "repeal additional tax burden on small business" and sponsored the Accountability Portal and stronger Freedom of Information legislation.On House Bill 35, the Accountability Portal, she was one of 38 co-sponsors; the chief sponsor was Rep. Mike Bost, a Carbondale Republican. On House Bill 4165, the Freedom of Information Act update, she was one of 56 co-sponsors. The chief sponsor was Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, a Chicago Democrat.Hatcher did vote in May against a temporary income tax increase.Keith Wheeler, challenger:A Jan. 21 postcard compares "Current representative" and Wheeler on three issues: Budget vs. Spending, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs and Respect for Life. the postcard says the current representative "voted for $31 billion stimulus with no way to pay for it"; and "Pro-Abortion: Accepted $24,567 from abortion industry for campaigns."Hatcher voted against House Bill 255, which authorized legal video gambling. The bill passed. The state's cut of video gambling will help fund the $31 billion "Illinois Jobs Now!" capital spending bill. State authorities say Illinois' portion of the bill is $13 billion and that the gambling revenue and increases in taxes on candy, hygiene products, grooming products, sweetened tea, coffee, liquor, wine and some beer will pay for part of it.Hatcher, who considers herself to be pro-choice, has accepted campaign donations from Personal PAC, a bipartisan Chicago-based political action committee that supports abortion rights-advocating candidates. This year alone, it has donated $10,948 in cash and in-kind services to the Friends of Kay Hatcher.The third candidate in the race, Bob McQuillan of Geneva, has not sent out any mailings.