Hell hath frozen over, Trib endorses Bean over Crane

[never cry wolf]

Very interesting, the repuke trib is actually making a little sense.

Go MISSY!!!

Time for Crane to retire

Published October 11, 2004

When Republican leaders passed over Rep. Phil Crane for the chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee in 2001, it was a clear signal that they didn't trust him with a prominent role in Congress. Crane might have taken the hint--after three decades of modest achievement in the House, it was time to leave. But he didn't.

The Tribune has admired and supported Crane's strong advocacy of free trade. But it has become evident that Crane's interest in serving his constituents has evaporated. He has used his seat in Congress as a cozy sinecure. In the last four years he has taken more than $109,000 in trips to spots around the world paid for by lobbyists and other private interests. Republican leaders privately acknowledge that Crane has gotten lazy and is out of touch with his constituents. The leaders have not been successful at shaking him out of his lethargy. It's time for a change.

The Tribune endorses Melissa Bean, an energetic, pragmatic Democrat from Barrington, in the 8th Congressional District. Bean, a business consultant, is not quite the ardent free-trader that Crane is, but she understands that free trade creates opportunities for U.S. firms and that foreign competition ultimately strengthens U.S. markets. She has sound views on tax policy, health care and education reform. She will, unlike Crane, pay close attention to the folks back home. Bean is endorsed.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0410110152oct11,1,7216814.story?coll=chi-newsopinion-hed