Endorsements for several Illinois House seats
Springfield is a mess under the dysfunctional Democratic grip of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Senate President Emil Jones and House Speaker Michael Madigan.
It's time for the voters to send a message. Incumbents, especially Democrats, who play along have to go. Those who fight politics-as-usual deserve another term.
Given that, we took a more critical eye of incumbents than usual in our endorsements for these Illinois House races:
House District 44
Republican Margaret "Peggy" Brothman of Hoffman Estates over incumbent Fred Crespo of Hoffman Estates. Brothman, a school board member in Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54, is a go-getter with a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Crespo has talent, but even in his first term, he's allowed himself to become compromised by powers that be.
House District 51
Lake Zurich attorney Amanda Howland over Republican incumbent Ed Sullivan, a Fremont Township assessor. We cannot endorse double-dipping at the taxpayer's expense and Sullivan refuses to step down from the assessor's post. We like Howland's commitment not to blindly toe the party line and believe she will provide the challenge Democratic leadership needs.
House District 52
Republican incumbent Mark Beaubien, one of the shining stars of the suburban delegation, over Island Lake Trustee Richard Garling. Beaubien, of Barrington Hills, exerts increasing leadership in the GOP and fights the General Assembly's frustrating inability to get things done.
House District 53
Incumbent Republican Sidney H. Mathias of Buffalo Grove over Democrat Carol Javens of Wheeling. Say what you will about Mathias, but he stays in touch with his constituents.
House District 55
Incumbent Republican Randy Ramey of Carol Stream over the weak candidacies of Democrat Broc Montgomery of Bartlett and Green Party candidate Dan Kairis of South Elgin. We're not that impressed with Ramey's performance, but his opponents unfortunately are not alternatives worth considering.
House District 56
Republican Anita Forte-Scott of Schaumburg over incumbent Paul Froehlich of Schaumburg. Forte-Scott, president of the Schaumburg Township Library Board, is feisty, knowledgeable and in touch. We think it's unlikely she'll allow herself to get pushed around. For good or bad, Froehlich forever will be viewed in Springfield and in the district as a renegade who plays politics first.
House District 57
Incumbent Democrat Elaine Nekritz of Northbrook over Republican James Tatooles of Northbrook. Nekritz is sharp, one of the brightest members of the legislature, and, we suspect, a future Democratic leader.
House District 59
Democratic incumbent Kathleen Ryg of Vernon Hills over Green Oaks attorney Daniel Sugrue. Ryg, frustrated with Democratic leadership, has worked effectively with representatives from both parties, and vows to change campaign finance rules so elected officials don't owe their votes to special interest or their party leaders.
House District 65
Incumbent Rosemary Mulligan of Des Plaines over Democrat Aurora Austriaco of Park Ridge. Mulligan's passion about issues still shows, and she's an asset to the General Assembly.