Endorsement: Holmes over Hurtado in Senate District 42

Voters in the 42nd Senate District will choose Nov. 6 between incumbent Linda Holmes of Aurora, a Democrat who first was elected in 2006, and Republican challenger Peter Hurtado, who will have to move into the district from Plainfield if elected. Hurtado, a small-business owner and Plainfield Park District commissioner, says reducing taxes and enacting “common-sense reforms” to workers’ compensation programs can help ease the state’s budget crisis and provide businesses with a more stable environment in which to grow. Holmes, who also has operated a small business, says she advocates streamlining government to balance the budget and has introduced a bill to eliminate funding for state boards and commissions that are no longer active. She also helped pass legislation to bolster the state’s financial reporting methods. The 42nd District covers portions of Naperville, North Aurora, Montgomery, Oswego Township and Boulder Hill, but the biggest prize for both candidates will be Aurora. Hurtado, who was born in Peru, says he is focusing much of his effort there with an eye on the Hispanic vote. But Holmes has a distinct advantage: She cut her political teeth in Aurora and, among other things, helped the city use the state’s River Edge Redevelopment Zone Investment tax credit to build RiverEdge Park. Holmes has a solid record of working on behalf of her constituents and an equally good understanding of her district. Holmes is endorsed.