Endorsement: Edly-Allen for House Dist. 51

The race for the Illinois House in District 51 is expected to be close.

How close? Two years ago, even with a Blue Wave behind her, Democrat Mary Edly-Allen had to wait almost two weeks after Election Day to find that provincial ballots had pushed her to her first election victory.

Yes, it's a swing district, and Edly-Allen has a worthy opponent this year in Lake Zurich minister and Ela Township Trustee Chris Bos, a common-sense Republican who is a strong advocate for the kind of reform that Springfield needs,

There is a lot to like about Bos, but our endorsement goes to Edly-Allen. The Libertyville teacher has shown courage in standing up for the unsuccessful Fair Maps redistricting amendment and has been a strong advocate for Springfield reform herself. Beyond all that, she has been unafraid to challenge powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan. That political courage deserves to be rewarded by the voters.

The 51st District takes in parts of or parts of Arlington Heights, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Forest Lake, Grayslake, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Long Grove, Mettawa, Mundelein, North Barrington, Tower Lakes, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, and Waukegan

"I was not elected to protect the status quo," Edly-Allen says, and we believe her commitment to confront the problems in state government is real. We endorse her for a second term.