Endorsements Go to Roskam, Chaplin, Krajewski in 2012 Election

Illinois 6th Congressional District

Peter Roskam (R) over Leslie Coolidge (D)

The Chicago Tribune wrote in the last couple years, Roskam has become "one of the more influential Republicans in Illinois and on Capitol Hill," with a focus on fundamental economic issues and the stature he developed as a member of the Ways and Means Committee and chief deputy whip.

The Daily Herald wrote Roskam has established himself as a "leader with influence," and is a player in "how Washington fixes economic challenges facing the country."

41st Senate District

None; Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) is running unopposed.

81st Representative District

None; Current Illinois Sen. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) is running unopposed.

DuPage County Board

District 2: Elizabeth Chaplin (D), Peter DiCianni (R) and Elaine Zannis (R) over Sean Noonan (R)

The Daily Herald praised Chaplin (Downers Grove) for her "grass-roots work to bring to light the tainted well water in her area," Elmhurst Mayor Peter DiCianni for his work on regional issues and knowledge of DuPage County, and Zannis (Oak Brook) for her "real world experience." DiCianni pledged to leave his mayor's job if elected to the county board, the Herald reports.

District 3: Only two endorsements—John Curran (R) and Brian Krajewski (R) over Gary Grasso (R) and Sharon Bryant (D) 

The Daily Herald called incumbents Curran (Woodridge) and Krajewski (Downers Grove) "hardworking board members, dedicated to ending duplicative services." Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso's intent to hold two elected positions simultaneously makes him ineligible for an endorsement. Bryant, a teacher and manager from Bolingbrook, "does not have the experience need to serve," according to the Daily Herald. A third seat was not endorsed.

DuPage County Forest Preserve

Joe Cantore (R) over Don Kirchenberg (D) in District 2

The Daily Herald praised Cantore, the incumbent from Oak Brook, for his "good business perspective, and Kirchenberg, the challenger from Downers Grove, for his "deep love of the forest preserves." However, the Herald said some of Kirchenberg's charges throughout the race—such as Cantore's spotty meeting attendance—did not pan out.

Linda Painter (R) over Steve Leopoldo (D) in District 3

The Daily Herald wrote: Leopoldo, the challenger from Darien brings "youthful enthusiasm" and knowledge of the forest preserve. Painter, the incumbent from Hinsdale, is "an enthusiastic participant, "not just in meeting attendance, but in active involvement with forest preserve programs and participants. She recognizes, too, that some downsizing may be necessary in the district’s administration."

DuPage Circuit Court Clerk

Chris Kachiroubas over Ralph Scalise

The Daily Herald wrote Republican incumbent Chris Kachiroubas, who runs the DuPage County courthouse "efficiently," and has made major strides in working toward a paperless court system. The Chicago Tribune also endorsed Kachiroubas. He has "slimmed down his office over the last eight years and bulked up the county's effort to collect overdue fines and court costs, netting millions for the county," the Tribune reported.

DuPage Circuit Court Judge (18th Circuit)

Patrick O'Shea over Alice Walker

The Chicago Tribune endorsed O'Shea, stating that Walker did not participate in the evalueation process.

Editor's Note: Patch does not endorse political candidates.

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