Jim Ryan for GovernorDon't blame the party for the ethical struggles in recent Illinois history. Jim Ryan (R) will provide ethics and a strong character to the office of Illinois. He looks forward to improving Illinois, instead of looking backward on the negatives like opponent Rod Blagojevich (D). Blagojevich has been known to stick hook-line-and-sinker with the other Illinois democrats, whereas Ryan presents an open perspective on what Illinois can bring. If you can't conscience a vote for the party of George Ryan, consider Libertarian Cal Skinner; but with his ethics, hard resolve, forward thinking and experience in Springfield, we strongly endorse Attorney General Jim Ryan for Governor of the state of Illinois.
Joseph Birkett for Attorney General
He is a man who has tried cases for years and has legal experience at the state level. Lisa Madigan (D) has been a lawyer for four years and a state senator for four years.
If only all choices could be this easy.
Regardless of your politics, it makes no sense to hand the one of the state's most important jobs to an untested, pedigreed lawyer. Let's just hope that Madigan's father, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, doesn't get too mad-again at us for helping undermine all his efforts to get Mini-Madigan elected.
Kristine Cohn for Secretary of State
Jesse White (D) came into office four years ago promising to clean up the vast corruption left by the office's previous owner, George Ryan. Has he succeeded? Partially. But there's still been plenty of corruption to go around under his watch. Kristine Cohn says she can do a much better scrubbing job, and we think she should be given the chance to prove it.
Jim Durkin for U.S. Senate
Durkin's (R) strong support for the United States military is what makes him the perfect choice. Dick Durbin has voted a straight liberal line on just about every issue, from the Clinton impeachment trial to holding up conservative judicial nominations to opposing both Bush wars against Saddam Hussein. Unlike Sen. Paul Simon, whom Durbin replaced in 1996, he has proven complicit in following the Democratic leadership without stabbing out on his principles. It's time to send him packing.
Stephanie Sailor for Congress
Incumbent Jan Schakowsky (D) has made it her goal to be the most liberal member of the U.S. Congress. Need we say more? Nicholas M. Duric, picked by the Evanston Republicans to fill the ballot spot after no one competed in the Republican primary, has managed to stay invisible for most of this campaign. Hey, Republicans--if you really want our votes, let's see you campaign some more! Libertarian candidate Stephanie "Vs. the Machine" Sailor is endorsed in this Congressional race. She won't win, but a vote for her campaign signifies support for individual rights in the People's Republic of Evanston.
James O'Hara for IL House
The leaders of both chambers--Michael Madigan (D) in the House and James "Pate" Philip (R) in the Senate--have been in power far too long. They are getting too comfortable and complacent, doling out many millions of 'member initiative' dollars to their buddies while Illinois runs a $1.3 billion budget deficit. This is not the kind of leadership we need in these times. Thus, every Republican running for a state House seat is endorsed, as well as any Democrat running for the state Senate.
