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Question of the day

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Illinois

* What candidate are you supporting for the US House and why?

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 11:34 am

Comments

Debbie Halvorson. Her votes reflect the opinions of her district and her constituent services are excellent.

Comment by Stones Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 11:45 am
I’m supporting Dan Seals for many reasons. Dan has the support of the people, knows the voters, has name recognition and is very popular in the district. He is smart, educated in business and economics, has what it takes to continue to be a problem solver. He is not just another lawyer. Seals’ efforts toward improving the environment has always been impressive. He is right on the issues and will continue to fight for the people of the 10th. Dan had the courage to stand and fight against Kirk, when it was hard to do. Dan will win this time and he will fight for all of us and the future of his children and all the children of the district.

Comment by Wendy Valentine Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 11:51 am
I am supporting Congressman Bobby Rush.
I do not agree with him on a multitude of issues. The only time I ever approached his office, I do not feel they were responsive, but dropped the ball completely (I wanted a flag for my father in-law. Paid for it, and never got it. Just gave up when my father in-law went home). He is not perfect but who is?
I support him because despite one isolated incident, I trust he personally is a responsible public servant. While I do not agree with some of his votes, I do trust his integrity in representing the district with conviction and sincerity. Bobby Rush is a good man and a good representative.
Besides that, in the second congressional district, if you do not vote for Bobby Rush, who are you going to vote for?

Comment by Richard Afflis Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 11:54 am
Kinzinger - because he actually represent the values of the district and will provide constituent services unlike Halvorson.

Comment by Anon Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 11:55 am
Not sure yet. Somebody not named Danny Davis.
Cong. Davis just has not been responsive to the eastern side of his district and I remain concerned that he is a “tax and spend liberal” in the worst sense of that word. A Democrat who can hold the line on some spending, and who cares about anything east of Western, would be good.

Comment by OdysseusVL Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:06 pm
I am writing in Rickey Hendon against Danny Davis. NOBODY wears a maroon suit like the Rickster, and God knows DC can use some of Rickey’s passion>>>>

Comment by ivoted4judy Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:07 pm
Ethan Hastert. Although his last name is both a blessing and a curse, he’s a sharp, thoughtful man with a commitment to leaner government and a true desire to connect with constituents. Bill Foster has been an unpredictable vote in Congress and is virtually MIA throughout the district.

Comment by Sewanee Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:10 pm
Hollywood Hendon would make C-SPAN worth watching!

Comment by John Bambenek Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:15 pm
I agree that Danny Davis isn’t responsive to the entire District. His daliance with the Cook County Board Prez race demostrates his disinterest in serving in Congress. I’m going with Jim Ascot. Let’s get an outsider with biz experience to clean up this mess.

Comment by ransom_kuti Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:17 pm
OdysseusVL–I’m a little curious what Danny Davis has done for the West Side or the west suburban part of his district too.

Part of Davis’ shtick used to be that he would rattle off all the manufacturing facilities that used to employ people on the West Side. He sorta implied he was going to push to go back to that era when a working guy could just walk up to a factory and get a union job.

I think Davis stopped that stuff when the Brach’s plant closed. When Brach’s closed it was pretty obvious that Davis had accomplished little to nothing to slow the trend of unionized jobs leaving the West Side.

I think Davis is still telling homey stories about his childhood in Arkansas. I guess that appeals to some Blacks over 50.

I was a little shocked that Davis said at a press conference that people from the South have a better work ethic than people from the North. I thought that was both insulting and boneheaded.

I look at organizing to run against an incumbent in that district and I understand why it’s challenging.

But I don’t get the feeling Davis has much of a vision for what he’s going to accomplish in Congress in the next term or the next ten years.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:20 pm
Bill Foster in the 14th - he does represent the district much better than the status quo anyone with an R behind their name, but most certainly better than another Hastert -

Comment by collar observer Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:25 pm
Also, Davis responding to a question about affirmative action by saying he wouldn’t buy a car from someone who wasn’t Black made me question whether Davis… it made me question a bunch of things about him.

Is he committed to a progressive/good-government vision of fairness?

Do non-African-American constituents get a fair shake from the guy?

Is he able to do the politician thing of communicating something sensitive or complicated without angering people against him?

I came away from Davis’ aborted campaign for Cook County Board President feeling like the guy is either losing his edge as a politician (and he never was an effective legislator, as measured by passing bills) or I was bamboozled and Davis never really was as sharp as I thought.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:26 pm
I do not have a candidate that I support and can vote fore. I am stuck with JJJ but if I had a choice Phil Hare. His talk matches his walk.

Comment by Lazy Intern Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:28 pm
Ashvin Lad in IL 5th. I feel that he is someone who genuinly wants to solve problems and not just hold an office. I think his real life experience is something that doesn’t hurt either.

Comment by Steve Wilson Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:30 pm
Leaning towards Julie Hamos, mostly because I think she has the best chance of defeating Coulson. My feelings about Dan Seals are mostly positive but I didn’t think he ran a very good race last time and he’s had two shots at this seat. Hamos showed a soupcon of independence against Mike Madigan. But really, the Dems are so lockstep — I don’t think either would respond to the district’s honest feelings (including those of liberals) on issues like “no green card amnesty” for illegal immigrants and true reform.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:38 pm
Yikes …12 responses….Capt Fax this does not look like a barner burner….how what is your favorite winter warm up beverage or how much did you lose betting on the Texas mopes?????

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:38 pm
Bill Foster

Hultgren vs HastertII over on the GOP side reminds me of the Oberweis/Lauzen trainwreck of a few years back. I’d rather have a Congressman that represents me than have a representative more interested in GOP backbench fighting.

train111

Comment by train111 Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:44 pm
Dr. David Gill. He is an Emergency Room doctor - not another career political. He is an independent-minded Democrat, who will fight to eliminate waste and help return common sense to the halls of Congress.

Or at least that is what his bright yellow business card tells me.

Comment by the217 Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:45 pm
Wish there was a viable Dem for the 19th district… Shimkus needs to go.

Comment by Chathamite Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:45 pm
I like Chris Geissler in the 8th district. He’s extremely sharp will put forth tangible conservative solutions to the local economy that the 8th definitely needs!

Comment by ElginCubsFan Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:47 pm
Bobby Rush because let’s face it… it’s hilarious that 40 years later, he’s a member of Congress and it’s what makes America a beautiful place.

Comment by The 'Dale to HPark Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 12:52 pm
Dan Seals. With Cap’n Kirk off on a crash and burn mission for the Senate, this could be his year.

Comment by Bardo2 Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:05 pm
–When Brach’s closed it was pretty obvious that Davis had accomplished little to nothing to slow the trend of unionized jobs leaving the West Side.–

Carl, you gotta admit though, Brach’s blowed up real good in “The Dark Knight.”

Based on that, I’m writing in Bruce Wayne. He’s a successful businessman, lives in a stately manor, and has an intangible, mysterious quality I can’t quite put my finger on….

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:05 pm
I am a Democrat. However, I plan on supporting the Republican candidates for congress and the senate. On a national basis the Dems. have abandoned the every day working people. On the State level and locally I will support the Dems.

Comment by MOON Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:15 pm
Mike Firsching in IL 19th GOP Primary vs Shimkus.

Comment by Highland, IL Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:16 pm
Ashvin Lad - he’s young, can bring new ideas to the district. We need a new generation, not the same old machine. And he’s had REAL jobs! What a concept…

Comment by Cubs Fan Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:23 pm
It’s a no-brainer in the 10th for Dems. Elliot Richardson is the only candidate moderate enough to win in the general election. Seals is an uninspiring career candidate and Hamos is, well…Hamos. Coulson would destroy her. Richardson’s grassroots movement could take everyone by surprise.

Comment by Rational Politics Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:31 pm
Well I am originally from the QC and I have now moved into the one street on Springfield that resides in the 17th. Of course I am voting for Phil Hare. This guy works his district better than anyone. Also, he has been an advocate for students while on the Education and Labor Committee.

Comment by UISer Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:35 pm
Have not decided on a candidate but have decided it will not be a democrat. The dems seem hell bent on forcing an agenda on America that it doesn’t want.

Comment by Belle Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:36 pm
So far - no one.
I don’t like the lemming sitting on his fat behind blindly voting away our freedoms, and so far no one has stepped forward to deflate him.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:50 pm
VMan, your freedoms are being voted away? Really? Examples, please.

You have no respect for how good you have it, thanks to the hard work of others.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:53 pm
My man doesn’t even read the bills before he supports them. Lemming.

Instead of representing me in Washington, he represents his party in this district.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:55 pm
Dan Seals-
has a great record of experience in Washington and Internationally, doesn’t have a voting record that can be attacked (like Julie Hamos’s)

Comment by mrmewe Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 1:55 pm
11-Kinzinger because he is a great candidate and Air Force Officer who can win.

10- Green because he understands business large and small.

14- Hastert. So many good candidates are out there for the Republicans, we need some who can raise $$$ without the help of DC.

5- Lad. He has was it takes to make a dent in a solidly Dem District

Comment by Smart Jesse Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:01 pm
we have 2 fantastic 9th district dems in our area who have come up to the north shore to pontificate to us about their records on jewish issues (I love Iran Dan) and fiscal responsibility Julie (what happens in springfield stays in springfield) Hamos.

At least mckenna gave us kirk back in 2000 when he was his finance guy. Brady doesn’t seem to be able to recruit well for us.

Comment by shore Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:02 pm
UISer - Haha, I never realized it was possible to move from the QC to Springfield and stay in the same Congressional district! Nicely done! Anyone who needs a nice chuckle should check out a map of the 17th. Only in Illinois…

Comment by Sewanee Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:02 pm
Why do I suspect, based upon his comments, that VMan lives in a Dem district? “Representing his party” tends to be bad mainly when it is not your own party.

Comment by OdysseusVL Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:02 pm
Ashvin Lad in the 5th - He has a diverse background that can really resonate with the voters. He’s got the practical experience and knowledge to bring real solutions to the district. He is a breath of fresh air in Chicago politics.

Comment by Chi-Guy Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:06 pm
Firsching in 19th — because Shimkus is the incumbent. While the choice is simple, the decision is not.

Comment by Sinequanon Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:15 pm
14TH. Anybody but Bill Foster.

Talked to his office(s) several times on a technology issue (Not Health care or cap and trade related), and for supposedly being a “technology astute” congresscritter, staff was terrible, and all I got back was Dem party position papers. No independent thought at all.

Extremely unimpressed. I can understand screwing up once, or even twice, but these folks were making an art form out of screwing up.

Foster’s constituent support has a serious case of ongoing rectal-cranial inversion.

Comment by Judgment Day Is On The Way Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:20 pm
CD 8 — leaning toward maria rodriguez. first and foremost, bean has to go. stimulus, bailouts, cap and trade, health care “reform”, banking “reform” and on and on and on. as a taxpayer, i just can’t afford her votes. anyway, enough about bean. rodriguez is pretty sharp and and the only person actully elected to office runnning on the “r” side. no idea as to her fundrasing ability but it better be beyond fantastic.

Comment by colt 45 Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:23 pm
Rep. Mike Quigley has not disappointed since I voted for him last spring… except for some limitations on his stance on the Israeli Armed Forces attacking their neighbors.

Comment by beth Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:25 pm
Bean in the 8th. She’s a moderate, pro-business Democrat who’s a good fit for her district.

Comment by Reformer Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:32 pm
UIS-er — If I lived one block over I would be in the 17th CD with Phil Hare, but I’m stuck in the 19th with Shimkus

Comment by Chathamite Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:42 pm
Sewanee- please can the b.s. about Foster being MIA. He’s been in the district more than the senior Hastert was in his later years. You can vote for the junior if you like, but don’t bend the truth.

Comment by DuPage Dave Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:42 pm
Chris Geissler in the 8th

Personally, I thought that choosing a candidate in the primary election would be difficult due to lack of differentiation however; it has been much easier than expected.

What I discovered…

Chris Geissler stands out as a legitimate candidate who is poised for a general election victory. He is a charismatic, intelligent, honest leader who is 100% focused on listening to the good people of the 8th district so that he can, accurately and aggressively, champion their causes and concerns on the floor of the US Congress. If you’re searching for an attentive, thoughtful and compassionate Republican who will take the fight to Mellissa Bean while advancing traditional American values…you have to take a look at Chris Geissler in the 8th Congressional District.

Comment by Emerson Thoreau Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:44 pm
14th- I have been watching this race for quite awhile but i picked my horse early. Ethan Hastert is by far the best choice for our district, and for the country. He is knowledgeable, substantive, and right on the issues. Most importantly he has the ability to beat Bill Foster in the fall. We need fresh new leadership in this district and in our country Ethan is our man.

Comment by Cal Dunt Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 2:59 pm
In the 8th district the ONLY candidate is Chris Geissler. He is the only one that has solutions instead of constantly talking about the problems. I can listen to talk radio for that. I want to hear what the solutions to our nations problems are. If this was the southside I would vote for him a few times. Unfortunately I can only give him one vote

Comment by longrover7 Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:04 pm
BY the way, as far as Ms. Rodriguez the only one in the 8th being elected to office is completely ludicrous. She has spent a little time as Mayor of Long Grove. She has not done a thing in her partial term. A dog catcher could have won that election. What does that have anything to do with being in Congress. NOTHING, nothing at all. Listen too her speak, she has not put forth any, absoluty any solutions to what is facing us in the 8th. Bean would destroy her in the General. I have been to a lot of the forums and the only one I believe has any real independent thoughts and solutions is Chris Geissler

Comment by longrover7 Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:15 pm
I’ll vote for Dr. Aire Friedman. I think that he’s the most conservative candidate in the 10th District. He’s the only veteran, in that race, and, during the war, we should have more veterans, in Congress.

Comment by Conservative Veteran Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:15 pm
Cal is exactly right. Ethan Hastert is the right choice for the 14th district. We must stop the radical agenda that the democrats are pursuing has put the country on the right track.

Comment by Ralph Frenzer Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:23 pm
Halvorson. She has placed staff throughout the district (and it’s a big district). They are sincerely interested in helping the constituents, and it helps that they are local people and live in the area of the district they serve. There have been growing pains, but I would expect that in the first year.

On the GOP side, golden boy Kinzinger, the likely nominee, has been avoiding debates, citing the presence of video cameras. If that is any indication of how he will serve the district, I want none of it; it sounds like the bad old days when we rarely saw or heard from Rep. Weller.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:25 pm
For the 14th I made a tongue-in-cheek comment earlier and was deleted

Comment by PinkGirl Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:32 pm
I have really given up on politics… but still will vote… and it is between who has the most awesome of all names… Joe Walsh or Dirk Beveridge. It will be a very tough decision come February….

Comment by Heartless Libertarian Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:36 pm
I’ve recently become a fan of Chris Geissler, Republican running in the 8th. After seeing him at a few forums and meetings, he definitely has what it takes to not only beat Bean, but become a phenomenal legislator. He is a businessman and has proposed some policy solutions on the economy and jobs that no other candidate has presented.

He’s smart, charismatic and genuine. He has what it takes for sure.

Comment by Sick of Melissa Bean Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 3:52 pm
Julie Hamos has solid legislative experience and is good on most issues. Dan Seals lacks the experience for Congress and should seek a less lofty position first. My vote goes to Hamos. We need an experienced representative in these times, not a rookie who never spent any time in the minors.

Comment by DemLifer Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 4:18 pm
my district is so not interesting that I work to support candidates in other districts. Quigley is a fresh voice in D.C., I’m close to going off Dem land and supporting Beth Coulson, who is just wonderful.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 4:34 pm
Debbie Halvorson. Best constituent services staff among all the Congressional offices. She’s approachable, down to earth, and understands the people she represents. Has the courage to cast the tough votes and rise above the partisan garbage.

Comment by Apple Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 5:15 pm
In the 14th I will continue to support Foster for many reasons but his anti-Iraq War Mess has been and continues to be enough by itself.

Comment by Geneseo Gent Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 6:27 pm
Randy Hultgren is not Chris Lauzen and can pull the party together better than his opponent. Angry repubs and dems that hated his dad will turn out against him in the fall.

Comment by JOE Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 6:34 pm
Hamos is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate for the 10th district. She has consistently taken on the issues that matter to real people (TAMMS prison reform, CTA pension reform, etc., etc.) She is a progressive in the truest sense. I am so excited to vote for a candidate who continually refreshes my belief in the power of politics to create real change.

Comment by 10thDem4Life Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 6:36 pm
Bill Foster for the 14th. A strong moderate voice that has lots of Republican and Democratic support. For the 16th District I support George Gaulrapp, currently the mayor of Freeport.

Comment by Sycamoretree Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 6:48 pm
Oh and Julie Hamos will win the 10th. She is the only qualified candidate and has massive support. Dan Seals still doesn’t live in the 10th district after running for it twice. He even sold his campaign furniture to the Hamos campaign before deciding he wanted to run again after Kirk decided to run for Senate. His great experience is that he was a political advisor for his own campaign…he didn’t have any other clients.

Comment by Sycamoretree Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 6:52 pm
I am voting for Bobby Schilling. He is an awesome guy and has worked hard his whole life. He has 13 years union experience and he also knows how to run his own business.

He isn’t a divider like Hare is. I was so happy with Lane Evans. He was probably the greatest congressman ever. He really worked hard for our district. But Phil Hare is not Lane Evans.

Bobby Schilling for Congress!

Comment by Pro-Union Dem Grad Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 7:38 pm
Chris Geissler is a candidate in the 8th district that I am strongly leaning towards. In my opinion, he is very well-spoken and has fresh ideas that would serve the district well. He is making an effort to meet with people within the district to understand the voice of the constituent. That’s something Ms. Bean has failed to do in the face of controversy.

Comment by NW Burbanite Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 8:33 pm
Ashvin Lad 5th District. His experience is practical. So are his ideas for job growth. I can’t say the same for his opponents.

Comment by neveroddoreven Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 9:04 pm
HL: Go with Joe Walsh. His work with the Eagles and solo was exemplary!

Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 9:26 pm
Sold on Dold in the 10th

Comment by pormtratu Friday, Jan 8, 10 @ 10:47 pm
Adam Kinzinger because he is running for the right reasons. It is refreshing because it is not “a career” to Adam. Instead, it is “a mission” to improve the government of the people. His Democrat opponent is a nice lady but she is driven to run for election more by it being “a career” to her.

Comment by Beowulf Saturday, Jan 9, 10 @ 8:59 am
In the 8th, the only clear choice is Maria Rodriguez. Living in the village she has brought an outstanding job bringing together what were previously head-butting groups. She has brought commerce and development, she has done a great job of building a team at the village hall. She listens well and knows how to work within a structured environment that is government. She is the only one running that has a chance to throw of the liberal Bean.

Comment by In the 8th Saturday, Jan 9, 10 @ 10:56 am
The STAR Bond bill is back ! Please look into this because as Capital Fax stated last year this bill remains “THE WORST BILL EVER” Every candidate and imcumbent for state office needs to know what this massive giveaway will do to make the State of Illinois financial situation very worse, if that is possible !

Comment by What a Joke Saturday, Jan 9, 10 @ 11:25 am
Kinzinger and his fear of cameras is pathetic. HALVORSON

Comment by anon Saturday, Jan 9, 10 @ 2:47 pm
Anybody but Jesse Jr. He’s a crook.

Comment by Anonymous Saturday, Jan 9, 10 @ 11:57 pm
8th Congressional District

I’ve been watching from this sidelines on this primary and after months have come to the conclusion that the only candidate with solutions, a direction, understanding and realism is Chris Geissler.

I find it interesting that the current Congress person representing the 8th does not live in the 8th rather the 10th.

And I believe that in order to represent me, you (the Congress person) needs to live, walk and understand the needs of us in the 8th. Why do Joe Walsh and Maria Rodriquez who live in the 10th and cannot even vote for themselves think they can represent us?

And personally, I’m not impressed with photo ops of a candidate with Washingtoninons.

Chris Geissler gets my vote and support.

Take a few minutes and research who will best represent the 8th.

Comment by view from the sideline Sunday, Jan 10, 10 @ 7:07 am
Robert Dold in the 10th. His fiscal conservatism is sorely needed in D.C. to restore checks and balances.

Comment by AndyQuinn Monday, Jan 11, 10 @ 1:10 am
Julie Hamos has my vote in the Dem primary: sealed and delivered. And Congresswoman Halvorson is great–I am supporting her, too.

Comment by 10thDemin Highland Park Monday, Jan 18, 10 @ 11:03 am
Joe Wals was sued today by his long time campaign manager for lack of payment to him(20,000)as well as not paying vendors. He needs to drop out. Maria would get chewed up and spitten out by Bean. The only candidate, including the incumbent, to be a long time resident of the 8th is Chris Geissler. He is the only one that can beat Bean. I have been saying it and the more I see the candidated speak the more I believe that Chris is the only one that has a chance of unsueating bean and sending her back to the 10th where she lives. Beveridge is a joke. Geissler is the only one not only with interity but also with a real platform and real solutions. Chris Geissler is the only one

Comment by longrover7 Thursday, Jan 21, 10 @ 5:10 pm