Kane County Board District 2 (D): Barreiro
 
Aurora resident Theresa Barreiro is concerned about keeping taxes low, job creation and the environment. A lifelong resident of Kane County, she believes that local government can promote business growth by reducing taxes. She also believes that the county should use area businesses to provide services and complete projects.

For these reasons, we endorse Barreiro as the Democratic nominee in the March 20 primary election for Kane County Board District 2.

As a new member to the Kane County Board, Barreiro – who works in client services at Cruz Investments and Wealth Management in Aurora – would bring a fresh perspective to county government. She said she would work to improve county customer service, noting that she enjoys working with the public.

She added that she can relate to everyday, real-life issues.

Formerly, Barreiro worked for the city of Aurora. She also has experience as a precinct committeeman. District 2 includes parts of North Aurora and Aurora.
 
Kane County Board District 2 (R): Passalaqua
 
North Aurora resident Will Passalaqua wants the Kane County Board to have an ethics ordinance with teeth. He believes cutting unnecessary spending is the best way to save money.

These are key reasons we endorse Passalaqua, a U.S. Air Force veteran, to be the Republican nominee in the March 20 primary election for Kane County Board District 2, an area that includes parts of North Aurora and Aurora.

Passalaqua and his opponent, Sal Abbate, share similar political viewpoints – they both believe that job creation should be a top priority, and they both promised that they would work to save money.

Passalaqua said the best way to promote job growth in county government is to attract new businesses to the area through tax-targeted incentives, as long as the businesses gives back through hiring or investing in the community. He works as a senior field engineer and is a precinct committeeman.
 
Kane County Board District 10 (R): Van Cleave
 
Batavia resident Thomas Van Cleave has had a successful run as the vice chairman of the Kane County Board. He brings experience, which is important at a time in which the board will be going through tremendous change. Van Cleave is our choice to win the GOP nomination in the March 20 primary election for Kane County Board District 10.
 
The district represents Batavia and parts of North Aurora. Van Cleave, who works in marketing and community relations for the Moss Family Funeral Homes in Batavia and St. Charles, has ideas to promote job growth, understanding that jobs will not come from government. He instead aims to seek state and federal grants and partner with local colleges to help provide valuable training. He understands that the county must move forward with an ethics policy, but he wants one that is enforceable.
 
He has been active in the Batavia community, having served as the president of the Batavia School Board and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. As an involved community member, Van Cleave has experience bringing people together.
 
Kane County Board District 11 (R): Donahue
 
Though Geneva resident Michael Donahue has been on the Kane County Board for only a year, he has made an impact as a member of the governing body. When the finance committee recommended approval of the 2012 budget with a 2.9 percent spending increase in the general fund, Donahue requested that the budget be sent to the committee of the whole for reconsideration.
 
Ultimately, Donahue and several other board members proposed nearly $2 million in additional cuts, and the board approved the final budget with no spending or tax levy increases. We applaud Donahue for scrutinizing the proposed budget and endorse him as the Republican nominee in the March 20 primary election for Kane County Board District 11, an area that includes parts of Batavia and Geneva.
 
Donahue, owner of Midwest Wind Energy LLC, said one of the goals he had as a new board member was to be as transparent and accessible as possible, and we believe he has accomplished that – in part – by establishing an interactive Facebook page dedicated to his county board work.
 
In addition, Donahue has been instrumental in helping craft a master plan for the 700-acre Fabyan Property.
 
Kane County Board District 16 (R): Kenyon

South Elgin resident Michael Kenyon believes the Kane County Board should hold the line on its budget and taxes. As a way to make county government more efficient, Kenyon – a seven-year-member of the Kane County Board – said the county should look to avoid duplication of services and personnel through greater use of joint purchasing agreements. He pointed to Kane County's recent decision to move offenders from the DuPage County Juvenile Detention Center to the facility in St. Charles Township as an example of intergovernmental agreements that can help reduce costs and create efficiencies.

We endorse Kenyon as the Republican nominee in the March 20 primary election for Kane County Board District 16, an area that includes parts of South Elgin.

A longtime farmer, U.S. Army veteran and involved community member, Kenyon has demonstrated a commitment to making Kane County a better place to live. Although his opponent, Robert Sauceda, has worthwhile ideas and is full of enthusiasm, we believe Kenyon's experience gives him a leg up in this race.

Kane County circuit clerk: Hurlbut
 
Kane County's next circuit clerk must be a strong leader, someone capable of making critical and potentially difficult decisions that will have a lasting impact.

Catherine Hurlbut, a Kane County Board member since 1994 and an Elgin attorney, has the experience and knowledge to guide the office through the challenges it will face.

She is our choice to win the Republican nomination in the March 20 primary election. The circuit clerk will be tasked with implementing a new computer system that will replace the outdated system currently in use.

Hurlbut understands the shortcomings of the current system and knows what needs to be included in the next system.

It is important that this new system will meet the needs of all who use it. Also, the office must move on after the current circuit clerk, Deborah Seyller, sued the county in a suit that cost about $450,000 in legal fees.

Hurlbut promises to justify every expenditure, and she recognizes the importance of efficiency.
 
Kane County auditor (R): Hunt
 
Big Rock resident Terry Hunt owns and operates a small business, and he has worked in public accounting and been a chief financial officer in the private sector.

His ideas for making Kane County government more transparent and accountable include publishing the county's checkbook online, creating an audit hotline and auditing the county credit card system. He said he would look to bring integrity, independence and innovation to the Kane County Auditor's Office. For these reasons, we endorse Hunt as the Republican nominee in the March 20 primary election for county auditor.

The candidate recognizes that technological improvements in county government can create new conditions that haven't been the subject of audit review, and he plans to implement safeguards to avoid potential problems associated with such improvements through the aggressive use of risk analysis and an increased emphasis on preventative forensic auditing techniques.

Not a newcomer to politics, Hunt is a trustee on the Big Rock Village Board, and he is a precinct committeeman.

Kane County coroner (R): Russell
 
The Kane County coroner's office is in need of a significant change. It is critical that the next coroner be a skilled professional, capable of strong leadership to move on and replace the current coroner, Chuck West, who faces official misconduct charges.

L. Robert Russell, a South Elgin resident and a sergeant with the DuPage County Sheriff's Office, best understands the role of a coroner. Both Russell and his opponent, Dr. Bob Tiballi, would represent a fresh start and a change that is needed. Both vow to restore credibility to the coroner's office

Either man would represent a significant upgrade. Russell has experience investigating crime scenes, and that skill would be an asset in the coroner's office. Russell promises to establish an environment that promotes accountability and transparency. He would bring much-needed stability and dignity to the office. We believe Russell is the best choice to win the Republican nomination for coroner in the March 20 primary.

Kane County Board chairman (R): Burns

As the mayor of Geneva since 2001, Kevin Burns has gained experience leading a city with multiple departments and an annual budget of approximately $70 million. Burns, a resident of Geneva who has worked for years as an executive in the nonprofit industry, lists passing 11 balanced budgets and increasing city reserves among his accomplishments as mayor.

He said he would bring that same mindset to county government if he were elected chairman. We commend Burns' track record and believe he has the experience it takes to lead Kane County government. We endorse him for the Republican nomination in the March 20 primary election. If elected chairman, Burns said he would scrutinize the county's annual budget and look to vet expenditures that were deemed unessential. He also said he would implement an online budget status report that would show how each county department is doing relative to its approved budget. In addition, Burns said he would recommend an immediate 18-month moratorium on the Kane County road impact fee ordinance to promote local job growth.

Although his opponent, State Sen. Chris Lauzen, has accomplished much during his 20 years in office, we feel Burns is best equipped to be the next chairman of the Kane County Board.

Kane County Board chairman (D): Sarto
 
Carpentersville resident Bill Sarto points to economic development as the most significant issue in the quest for the Democratic nomination for chairman of the Kane County Board. Sarto, former village president of Carpentersville, touts a strategic plan to work with the county's municipalities to create jobs. He promises an aggressive approach to expanding the business base.

We endorse Sarto in his race against former St. Charles Mayor Sue Klinkhamer, who also was an aide to former U.S. Rep. Bill Foster. Both candidates have significant experience as leaders; however, Klinkhamer is running an atypical campaign, not offering many detailed ideas about what she would do if elected chairman. Sarto has put forth more developed plans heading into the election. He points to the success he had in Carpentersville while serving as village president, which included completing substantial street improvements.

Sarto said he would make an effort to lower taxes if elected, and he recognizes the important role local community colleges can play in training people for new jobs and career changes. He said he relishes the idea of working with everybody, even those who might not share his point of view.

25th State Senate District (D): Pierog

St. Charles resident Corinne Pierog has several ideas for boosting job creation in the state of Illinois. Pierog said the state must develop research hubs that support new and sustainable job growth, and she points to the state's Technology Development Account program as one way Illinois has been able to encourage business expansion, employment creation and innovation.

She also said that the state's tax breaks must be more evenly metered so that small businesses get their fair share of support. We endorse Pierog as the Democratic nominee in the March 20 primary election for the 25th State Senate District. A self-employed consultant, Pierog finds education to be a key component to job creation. She supports the work of the Illinois P-20 Council, whose goal is to increase the proportion of Illinois citizens with post-high school degrees and credentials, and she champions early childhood education initiatives.

A member of the St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 School Board, Pierog has demonstrated a commitment to improving her community.

25th State Senate District (R): Richmond

As the Blackberry Township supervisor, Dave Richmond has a proven track record of success holding public office. That is the key factor that separates him as our choice for endorsement in a strong field vying for the Republican nomination in the 25th Illinois State Senate District. Richmond, a Batavia resident, takes pride in Blackberry Township's balanced budget and stressed that the township has lowered the property tax levy.

He points to improvements made at the township's cemetery as proof that such things can be done without going into debt. Both of his opponents are solid, mature candidates, and all three called for lower taxes and a government that lives within its means. Oberweis, a Sugar Grove resident, is the chairman of Oberweis Dairy. He said a successful businessman is the best choice. Richard Slocum, a Sugar Grove resident, is a partner at an Aurora law firm and is a former member of the Aurora West District 129 School Board.

He talked up reforming Illinois corporate tax policy to create new jobs. All three candidates have relevant experience that would benefit the residents of the 25th District, but we believe Richmond would best serve the area.

33rd State Senate District (R): McConnaughay

During her eight years as Kane County Board chairman, Karen McConnaughay has established herself as a strong leader. The county's good financial standing despite difficult economic times is a success she lauds, noting that she pushed to have county departments cut spending.

McConnaughay has acquired valuable experience, and it is why she is our choice in the March 20 primary election to win the GOP nomination for the 33rd State Senate District, an area that includes much of the western Tri-Cities, parts of St. Charles and Elgin townships and other municipalities. Both McConnaughay and her opponent, Cliff Surges of Gilberts, share similar views.

They both aim to reform the state's public employee pension system and say they are committed to cutting taxes and controlling spending. Both oppose legalized gambling, but it is McConnaughay's track record of government achievement that distinguishes her from Surges. We expect her to accomplish much at the state level.
 
6th Congressional District (D): Petzel

Though only 28 years old, Geoffrey Petzel has demonstrated a commitment to community, and his ideas for reversing the housing market's long slide and improving national health care are on point.

We believe he is the strongest candidate in the race for the Democratic nomination in the 6th Congressional District, and we endorse him in the March 20 primary election. Petzel is vying for the voters' nod to square off against U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton, in the November election. Also on the Democratic ticket are Maureen Yates of Barrington, a retired wedding planner who also was a paralegal; and Leslie Coolidge of Barrington Hills, a former corporate accountant.

We find something to like in each but believe Petzel has the edge. The Lake Zurich resident is executive director of the Friends of the Fox River organization, and his environmentalism is worthy of note. We also commend his commitment to securing the border. The 6th District contains parts of Kane, Cook, DuPage, Lake and McHenry counties.

11th Congressional District (D): Foster

Naperville resident Bill Foster says the top priority of Congress should be spurring job creation to get the economy moving. A scientist, businessman and former U.S. Congressman, Foster wants to get manufacturing back on its feet in the U.S., explaining that the government should stop rewarding companies that ship jobs overseas and instead reward companies that keep manufacturing here. We endorse Foster as the Democratic nominee in the March 20 primary election for the 11th Congressional District.

Fed up with the gridlock in Washington, Foster believes that facts drive the best solutions, not partisan politics. He noted that while he was a congressman, he was willing to vote against his own party, citing a vote against cap and trade legislation that he thought would not go far enough to reduce carbon emissions.

Although his opponents in this race – Aurora resident Juan Thomas and Orland Park resident Jim Hickey – are passionate about moving the country forward – we believe Foster has the best credentials to enact positive change in Washington.

14th Congressional District (D): Anderson

Both candidates in the Democratic primary for the 14th Congressional District say they want to help people, but Dennis Anderson is the one best equipped to do so. Anderson, 61, of Gurnee, is retired, but has an extensive background in public health, having worked both with the state department of public health in Wisconsin and with the University of Wisconsin's Cancer Center as a research administrator.

Like many citizens, Anderson says he is dissatisfied with the inaction in Congress and is concerned that the nation's social safety net is being dismantled at a time when people need it most. Anderson supports President Barack Obama's sweeping health-care reforms and believes that illegal immigrants should have a path to citizenship, not be offered blanket amnesty.

He has a grasp of the issues and takes principled stands on them. The primary winner in this race will advance to face incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren in the general election. We endorse Anderson.

Republican presidential candidate: Romney

When voters go to the polls in November to decide whether to re-elect President Barack Obama or oust him from office in favor of his Republican rival, three key issues will be at the forefront of their decision.
Who is best suited to improve the economy?

Whose policies will help the private sector create the largest number of jobs so millions of Americans can get back to work?

Who has the best ideas and the political nerve to drastically reduce federal spending and reduce our country's burdensome debt?

On these issues, Mitt Romney is the best candidate among the Republican field of presidential contenders and represents the best chance the GOP has of unseating Obama.

We endorse Romney's nomination when Illinois voters go to the polls March 20 for our state's presidential primary. Early voting begins Monday.

In his professional career, Romney has achieved success in both the public and private sectors. He gained invaluable executive branch experience as governor of Massachusetts from 2003-07. Upon entering the office, he was faced with a $3 billion budget deficit.

Through a series of targeted expense cuts, various fee increases, and economic development policies, Romney turned that deficit into a surplus by the time he left office.

More than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican, Romney also has an impressive resume as a businessman in the private sector. A graduate of Harvard Business School, he co-founded and served as CEO of Bain Capital, a highly-profitable investment firm that helped companies like Staples become more efficient and grow jobs.

In this, his second run for president (he lost the GOP nomination to John McCain in 2008), Romney has sharpened his skills on the campaign trail and has better explained some of the policy decisions that left him open to criticism from the staunchest of conservatives.

Most notable among them was his support of what has been dubbed "RomneyCare," a health care reform package passed in Massachusetts with Romney's support that has many similarities to Obama's federal health reform law.

We will not attempt to defend the individual mandate that is a part of both plans; we think the U.S. Supreme Court eventually will rule the federal mandate unconstitutional. The largest differences between the two plans is the cost to businesses – Massachusetts' is lower – and the fact that states are better suited to address such issues than the federal government.

Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, has a solid conservative record on fiscal matters. But many of his positions and public comments on social issues (contraception, prenatal testing, women in the workplace and in combat) would hurt him in a general election.

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, while bright and articulate on policy matters, simply has too much baggage in both his professional career and personal life to be a legitimate contender against Obama.

While we agree with some of Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul's ideas about scaling back government regulations, his isolationist approach to the world today would endanger America's national security.

We endorse Romney.