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Endorsement: Mussman for state rep in 56th District

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

The newly drawn 56th Illinois House district has expanded considerably, requiring 12-year Democratic incumbent Michelle Mussman to introduce herself to a large number of voters who are unfamiliar with her representation and providing her Republican opponent E. Dale Litney with the opportunity to compete with her in previously uncontested terrain.

Whereas the district used to be Schaumburg centric, the new boundaries also take in parts of Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect and Rolling Meadows as well as parts of Hanover Park and Streamwood.

Those getting to know Mussman will find her to be likable and committed to serving her constituency. She has grown immeasurably in office, and we're impressed by the expertise she has gained.

She places priorities on education and mental health and consistently has supported necessary moves to strengthen the General Assembly's ethics - voting to increase disclosures on lobbyists and importantly to put term limits on legislative leadership.

We encourage her to do more to address shortcomings in the SAFE-T Act, which seeks to reform the criminal justice system, but all and all, she has provided responsive representation.

Litney is an energetic candidate with obvious and genuine concern about combating taxes and crime and strengthening the state's business climate.

But we are concerned about the exaggeration and misinformation in his campaign. He has charged, wrongly, that Mussman voted to tax retirement income. He implies a close connection between Mussman and ousted House Speaker Michael Madigan based solely on the campaign contributions to her from the Illinois Democratic Party that Madigan once chaired. And he bemoans grocery prices as if Mussman has something to do with them.

Both Schaumburg candidates are capable. We endorse Mussman.

Our endorsement for Schneider for U.S. House for the 10th District

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