Aguilar receives endorsements from former Bustos peers

STERLING – Greg Aguilar announced endorsements Friday from two men who used to work alongside one of his Democratic Party primary opponents in the 17th Congressional District.

East Moline Alderman David Kelley and former East Moline Alderman Luis Puentes have given their support to his campaign, Aguilar said Friday.

Both worked with Cheri Bustos when she was an East Moline alderwoman.

Bustos, Aguilar and Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp are vying for the party's nomination in the March 20 primary. Freshman Congressman Bobby Schilling, R-Colona, is unopposed in the Republican Party primary.

Kelley, an alderman since 1993, said his support for Aguilar is based on his "background in the community to help others" and his support for working people.

"I see in Greg Aguilar a person that is out working and trying to help people," Kelley said. "I didn't know Greg until he declared for his congressional run. I invited him to breakfast, wanted to learn about him, understand what his motivation is, what his past activities have been."

Puentes, who served two terms on the East Moline City Council before stepping down last May, called Aguilar "a true people's candidate."

"He is one of the only candidates who is still full time, has a full-time job, trying to run for a national seat," Puentes said.

Aguilar is director of multicultural services at Augustana College.

Puentes and Bustos served together on the East Moline council. Puentes said he did not "see eye to eye" with her on issues.

"I think she did a fine job," Puentes said. "I just think Greg will do a better job in his decision making and his direction."

Matt Larson, a spokesman for Bustos, said the campaign is proud to have endorsements from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the AFL-CIO and eight former mayors of the Quad Cities.

"They have endorsed Cheri Bustos for Congress because they know she will fight for the middle class and protect Medicare and Social Security – the same reason our campaign is gaining support from voters we talk to every day," Larson said in an email statement.