Endorsement: McAuliffe for House Dist. 20
Little known fact: There is an elected Republican in Chicago.
Michael McAuliffe has been a state representative for 17 years. His district, the 20th, serves portions of Des Plaines, Rosemont, Park Ridge, Niles and Chicago's Northwest Side.
There is something to be said for the staying power of a Republican in Chicago who has been able to stave off challenges every other year with the exception of 2000.
This year he faces a challenge from Park Ridge resident Mo Khan, a political newcomer making his first run for office. Khan, 29, is a law student who worked on campaigns for Hillary Clinton and Alexi Giannoulias but is proud to say he does not receive funding from the state Democratic Party or Michael Madigan.
McAuliffe is a moderate Republican who enjoys the support of unions but generally supports Republican social issues.
McAuliffe supported the pension reform bill while Khan said he would not have. Khan also supports term limits; McAuliffe does not.
McAuliffe also introduced legislation to study the environmental and health impacts brought on by the new runway at O'Hare International Airport.
McAuliffe is endorsed.