Republicans keep it civil at last debate before the primary
The final public debate for the six Republicans running for Congress in the 8th District was remarkably fireworks-free Wednesday night at the Barrington Area Library.
Rather, the candidates tried to differentiate themselves from each other - sometimes successfully, sometimes not - and tried to convince the more than 100 people in the audience that they're worthy of election.
In fact, only one of the candidates took a swipe at another. First-time candidate Dirk Beveridge of Barrington questioned why Joe Walsh is running for the 8th District seat even though he lives in the neighboring 10th District and repeatedly has said he wouldn't vote for a candidate who doesn't live locally.
Walsh, who lives in Winnetka, didn't respond.
In addition to Beveridge and Walsh, the Republican candidates are: John Dawson of Barrington; Chris Geissler of Barrington; Greg Jacobs of Mundelein; and Maria Rodriguez of Long Grove.
The winner of Tuesday's GOP primary will face Democratic incumbent Melissa Bean of Barrington and Green Party candidate Bill Scheurer of Lindenhurst in November's general election.
The economy was among the most common issue addressed during the forum, which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Barrington Area. The candidates addressed the nation's financial woes in different ways.
For example, Walsh questioned the need for several federal agencies, specifically the departments of energy and education, while Dawson said his experience as a business owner makes him uniquely suited to work on the economic issues facing Congress.
Jacobs said his experience as a military veteran provided the leadership experience needed to lead in Congress.
Rodriguez, the mayor of Long Grove, touted her successes at the ballot and her ability to build consensus with political leaders.
Geissler led the criticism of Bean, saying she hasn't been accessible to the people during her time in office.
As other lawmakers were holding town hall meetings last year about health care reform, "she was hiding from them," Geissler said.