Endorsements: Regna for McHenry County state's attorney
Both candidates for the McHenry County state's attorney in the Republican primary are either current or former assistant state's attorneys. So it's no surprise that, as prosecutors, current Assistant State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally and former Assistant State's Attorney Daniel Regna, now in private practice, swiftly turn from talking about their own candidacies to attacking each other's.
Citizens want prosecutors who can be attack dogs in relentless pursuit of justice within the confines of the law. But a state's attorney isn't limited to the role of attack dog. It's also the office that holds the leash, discerning when to let loose and when to restrain. In that context, both candidates here should remember that well-tempered judgment is vital. McHenry County is not immune from wrongful or overturned convictions that can come from hasty judgment and, in addition to causing grave injustice, could lead to costly lawsuits.
Outside of that concern, in the overall qualifications for the office, Regna holds an edge in experience, and we like his support for more transparency in the office, such as with cameras in the courtroom. Regna is also a longtime McHenry County resident, while Keannelly only recently established residency.
With those advantages in mind, we endorse Regna.