PEORIA -- This election is too important to keep quiet about.
On the national level and the state and local levels, it really matters, and it's time for the sane voters to take back their nation and their community!
So here are my endorsements, for what they are worth. Full disclosure, I am a Peoria County Democratic Party precinct committeeperson, and a volunteer in the Colleen Callahan for Congress campaign. These are volunteer, unpaid positions, based on conviction not self interest.
President: Obama/Biden. They represent hope for change, for better medical coverage, for getting out of Iraq and the deaths and wasted money that involves, for an economic revival based on time tested Democratic Party policies. McCain's pick of Sarah Palin tells all we need to know about him and an administration he would run: incompetence run amuck. He's not a change agent, he's just stumbling in the dark.
U.S. Senate: Dick Durbin. His defense of civil liberties has been courageous, he voted against the Iraq war, he's a wise legislator and deserves reelection.
U.S. Congress, 18th District. Colleen Callahan. She's smart, competent and would serve in the public interest. See my stories on her chief opponent, Aaron Schock, under the category Schock and the 18th District for details on him. He's personable but apparently so ambitions and money hungry he'll cut any corner to benefit himself, just the kind of guy we don't need in Congress. If for any reason you don't like Callahan, Sheldon Schafer is a good second call, and a vote for him would help keep the Green Party alive for future elections.
92nd Illinois House. How did this campaign, between two nice women, get so dirty? Republican Joan Krupa is clearly more qualified for this post (I wish she were running for Congress!) but does this district need another white Republican to represent it in Springfield? Democrat Jehan Gordon is young and has issues, but would represent the black community there, someone for them to comfortably call if they have problems. This race is a toss up, depending on your point of view.
State's Attorney. Kevin Lyons is not perfect but miles ahead of Darin LaHood in this race.
LaHood has misrepresented issues, is a demagogue running for an office that should be nonpartisan. See my post on him below.
Coroner: Steve Schmidt, represents a change. I wish this campaign had been more open instead of conducted off the grid, but apparently there are problems in this office that Schmidt might remedy.
Peoria County Board, District 6: Allen Mayer has been a leader on the board and deserves to be reelected.
Judges: All should be retained. See my post below.
Con-Con. Vote no, as recommended by the League of Women Voters and others.
Peoria primary referendum: Vote yes.
Happy Halloween.
-- Elaine Hopkins