Endorsement: No recommendation in House District 51

Two Republican candidates for Illinois House District 51 have very different views on same-sex marriage - and perhaps government as well. Veteran incumbent Ed Sullivan voted for Illinois' marriage equality law and challenger Bob Bednar would work to amend or reverse it. But the issue also highlights broad differences in how holding public office is approached by the two men, both of Mundelein. Sullivan retained his role in GOP House leadership despite being one of three Illinois Republican "yes" votes on same-sex marriage. He has shown flexibility and a willingness to reach across the aisle on issues like Illinois' new concealed carry law, which he helped draft. Bednar opposes much about government, a standard that might resonate with some voters. But his hard-line adherence to conservative principles, coupled with a lack of fresh ideas or insight into state government, would risk making him irrelevant in Democrat-controlled Springfield. While we cannot endorse Bednar for that reason, we also cannot endorse Sullivan. As Fremont Township assessor as well as a state legislator, Sullivan holds two taxpayer-funded jobs, a practice we oppose.