Endorsement: Ramirez for Congress Dist. 3
This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
The redrawn 3rd Congressional District is a Latino-leaning district stretching from Chicago's Northwest Side to suburban West Chicago.
It takes in areas of Cook and DuPage counties, including parts of Elk Grove Village, Bensenville, Glendale Heights and Wheaton.
Both candidates seeking to represent the sprawling district understand the diversity of its population.
State Rep. Delia Ramirez, a Chicago Democrat, says she would have two district offices - one in the city and another in the suburbs. The Republican in the race, Justin Burau of Winfield, said he would meet with constituents and listen to their concerns.
When it comes to some issues, Ramirez and Burau take similar positions. Both talk about the failures of the health care system. They also want to see economic development in the district and agree there needs to be a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients.
But that's where the similarities end.
Ramirez, for example, supports banning assault-style weapons and codifying abortion rights on a national level. Burau says abortion is a state issue. And while he favors raising the age to purchase an assault rifle to 21, he opposes a ban.
Our concern with Burau is that he has never sought public office before. He says he was motivated to do it now because of problems with Medicare.
While we appreciate Burau's reason for running, Congress is not a place where you want someone learning on the job.
Ramirez, meanwhile, is an impressive candidate because of her work as a state lawmaker.
Elected to the Illinois House in 2018, Ramirez found ways to get things done in Springfield. She has been the primary sponsor of a list of measures and proved she can work with Republicans.
That experience will serve her well in Washington. Ramirez is endorsed.