Endorsement: Roskam for GOP in 6th Congressional District

For the first time, Republican Congressman Peter Roskam is facing a primary challenge in the 6th Congressional District. And his opponent is trying to make the case that Roskam is no longer conservative enough.

"I've been a strong supporter and until recently voted for him," said Gordon "Jay" Kinzler, a physician and surgeon who currently serves on the Glen Ellyn Park District board. But he points to Roskam's vote for the budget bill in December as proof Roskam has changed his conservative ways.

We disagree. Roskam is still a steadfast conservative on social issues but also, after nine years in the House of Representatives, seems to be a bit more pragmatic when it comes to the process in order to get things done. The "just say no" mantra is not always the best way.

In fact, we haven't always supported Roskam because of some his views on social issues, but we do support him in this race. He has the experience and seniority that his opponent would lack. For Republicans and the district, his presence on the House Ways and Means Committee, for example, is invaluable and his willingness to compromise and vote for a budget bill hammered out by both sides is a good step in a direction necessary to get things moving again in Washington.

Roskam, 54, of Wheaton, points to his bill aimed at curbing Medicare fraud that was signed into law by President Obama last year as one example of getting things done. He also took a high-profile role in selecting the new House speaker after John Boehner abruptly quit. We were impressed then and still are with his challenge to his Republican colleagues to slow down and give some reflective thought to the next steps.

On immigration, Roskam says a comprehensive overhaul is not politically possible. Instead, he favors concentrating on border security first - and that does not necessarily mean a wall. He supports closing loopholes in our immigration policies and tightening up the visa waiver program.

Kinzler, meanwhile, brings some strong credentials to the race. The 57-year-old has been in the United States Army Reserve for more than eight years and is president of the Elmhurst Hospital Medical Staff.

But for this primary, Roskam is the better choice.