Endorsement: Sandack in House Dist. 81
In his first term in the Illinois House, Rep. Ron Sandack has risen quickly within the Republican House leadership. A big presence on social media, Sandack, a resident of Downers Grove, can come on strong at times. But you can't argue with his contention that he has "zealously" represented the 81st District - from his opposition to a proposed school funding shift that would hurt the suburbs to his stand against making permanent what was sold to Illinois residents as a temporary income tax increase. He has turned down the pension for state legislators and put forth a bill that would eliminate pensions for future lawmakers.
Sandack has also shown a willingness to break from his party. He was one of the first Republicans to support gay marriage - a risky but admirable change of heart that nearly cost him the primary.
His opponent in the House District 81 race, Democrat Elizabeth Chaplin, describes herself as a "person of conviction," a committed advocate for causes she embraces. We believe that, but we are concerned about her support for extending the income tax increase. And, ultimately, we believe Sandack is better equipped to handle the state's serious fiscal challenges. He gets our endorsement.