Bean selling stimulus in the suburbs

U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean said she is certain her vote for the $787 billion economic stimulus plan will prove to be the right move and put her Republican detractors on the hot seat.

"This isn't about a debate... This is a challenge that our nation is facing," Bean told the Daily Herald editorial board Tuesday. "I voted for a solution"

Bean, a Barrington Democrat, was one of only two House members in the north and west suburbs to vote for President Barack Obama's stimulus bill. The other 'Yes' vote came from Bill Foster of Geneva.

Both lawmakers represent districts that have traditionally been seen as a Republican base.

Nearby Republicans Mark Kirk of Highland Park, Don Manzullo of the Rockford area, Judy Biggert of Hinsdale and Peter Roskam of Wheaton all voted against the stimulus plan, railing against it as a waste of taxpayer dollars that would do little to help the tanking economy.

Not one House Republican voted for the plan and only three GOP senators signed on.

In an effort to tout her support, Bean has launched a discussion tour of the 8th District, which includes parts of Lake, McHenry and northwest Cook counties. She is meeting with elected officials across the district and explaining the myriad tax breaks and credits and grants in the measure.

Foster is holding similar meetings in his far west suburban 14th District.

Bean said voters will understand her support if she can adequately "communicate why I feel this is a good thing for our communities."

Bean told the Daily Herald editorial board she hopes the stimulus plan will help the Illinois unemployment rate bottom out by the end of this spring and then retreat. She points to the more than $1.5 billion in the plan to build roads, bridges, transit and sewer lines in Illinois as the chief job creator.

But, Bean also said she was happy with the numerous tax breaks, both on personal income and businesses, that will put more money in people's pockets and allow local businesses to stay afloat if not expand.

"I think lots of people are going to benefit in different ways (from the plan)," Bean said. "It is broad based."