Bill Foster’s record in Congress speaks for itself this election
As a lifelong Democrat, I was pleased to see that the Chicago Tribune endorsed Bill Foster’s reelection for the 11th Congressional District. Foster has served our district effectively and thoughtfully; his manner of representing the citizens of the 11th district is a pragmatic one.
I appreciate that he brings his scientific training to the table when he considers the legislation before him. He thoughtfully weighs the pros and cons of the various measures, and his votes clearly align with the needs and concerns of the people he serves. He has given support to the Affordable Care Act, has worked to address the issues of climate change in a Congress that would like to suppress the facts and he supports a woman’s right to make reproductive choices.
Foster’s primary opponent, Qasim Rashid, lacks a meaningful commitment to this district. While he may have grown up in this area, until a couple years ago he lived in Virginia and ran for office to represent people from Virginia twice. And lost twice. It appears he just wants to be in Congress and doesn’t necessarily want to represent the needs of the 11th District. It all seems disingenuous. He seems to have relocated just to run for Congress.
Foster, who started his political career by flipping former GOP House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s deep red seat, has repeatedly proven he can win against Republican incumbents and challengers. By contrast, Rashid has only ever run in Virginia and lost to Republicans.
There’s only one candidate in this race who has beaten well-funded MAGA Republicans and has a serious track record of progressive accomplishment — Bill Foster.
Kathryn Refine, Naperville
Judge Barron’s the ‘real deal’ and worthy of election
I am writing to tell you why I am proud to cast my vote for Judge Jennifer Barron, who is running in the Democratic primary to keep her seat on the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in DuPage County, subcircuit 2.
Judge Barron was appointed unanimously by the Illinois Supreme Court based upon her 25 years of experience as a trial and appellate lawyer. She spent her career representing the “little guy,” and has extensive expertise in complex civil litigation, civil rights and Illinois civil procedure. She has tried multiple cases to verdict in front of juries and argued cases before the appellate courts and the Illinois Supreme Court. She is counsel of record on several opinions that established precedent for the state of Illinois.
She also volunteered her time as a lawyer assisting people who could not afford an attorney with Prairie State Legal Services and as a pro bono attorney with the Giffords Law Center Against Gun Violence.
In addition to the spectacular legal experience she brings to the bench, she has years and years of community involvement, including many leadership roles with Indian Prairie School District 204 parent organizations and her current service on the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation Board. She also spent several years as a volunteer youth soccer coach with the Wheatland Athletic Association.
She is the real deal: someone who deeply understands the law and whose life exemplifies a commitment to justice and fairness to all. Please vote for Judge Jennifer Barron on March 19 or before!
Dianne McGuire, Naperville
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