Power of the press
STERLING – As I was catching up on reading about the 17th Congressional District race, which I cover for the newspaper, I discovered each candidate recently received endorsements from newspapers in the district.
In the 17th, which includes all of Whiteside County, U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Colona, is running against former East Moline Alderwoman Cheri Bustos, a Democrat.
The Rockford Register Star endorsed Schilling.
Bustos won the support of the Quad-City Times.
In each endorsement, the editorial focused on specific issues that matter to each city. The Rockford newspaper put its support behind Schilling because of what it saw as energy he would bring to the table for issues such as the future of the Chicago Rockford International Airport.
"He sees the airport as the economic engine it can be, especially if it lands a maintenance and repair operation and the state starts devoting resources to Rockford instead of the boondoggle known as Peotone," the editorial states.
On the other hand, the Quad-City Times editorial board was opposed to how Schilling had handled some projects relating to cities in its area.
The editorial board voiced support for Bustos' "extensive, pertinent real-world experience."
"She won election to her town council and served admirably and openly, a credential we value for those seeking congressional office," the editorial states.
Both candidates appear to be well liked.
Schilling and Bustos both "have positive attributes that would make them good representatives in Washington," the Register Star reported in its editorial.
While there are differing opinions on whether newspapers should endorse candidates, there is no debating endorsements make for good tableside conversation.
Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood covers government and happenings in Sterling and Rock Falls. She can be reached at ksood@saukvalley.com or at 800-798-4085, ext. 529.
