Seals offers good alternative to Kirk

As election day approaches, many Americans are focused on the close presidential race.

Yet closer to home, it is time for voters to focus on the contest between Democrat Dan Seals and Congressman Mark Kirk, and to say "no" to a fifth term for the incumbent who has so poorly represented the needs of those living in our diverse district.

Seals would be a welcome newcomer to Capitol Hill, working to keep jobs in the area while improving education and health care.

Seals would be a consensus builder in the 10th District and in Washington, D.C.

Since his election in 2000, Kirk has positioned himself as the independent so many of our district's residents seek in a Congressman.

Unfortunately, he has voted with the Republican Party and has been a strong supporter of President Bush's agenda for the war in Iraq - which has claimed thousands of lives and has left many other soldiers with permanent disabilities due to tragic injuries.

While many voters are aware of Kirk's support of the war, how many know that the American Public Health Association gave our representative a "Grade F" in 2006?

Kirk also voted against the Children's Health and Medical Protection Act of 2007, which would have provided better health care for uninsured children in our area and for youngsters already receiving health care coverage through SCHIP.

Darcy A. Gans

Buffalo Grove