from the Pantagraph
The contrasts between Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson and her Republican challenger in the 11th Congressional District, Adam Kinzinger, are stark and go beyond their policy differences and political window-dressing.
After two years in Congress and 12 years in the state Legislature, Halvorson replies with rather superficial answers and slogans to questions about key issues facing the nation and the district.
Her pat answer on ending tax cuts for those making over $250,000 — “This is not the time to give Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton tax cuts” — is trite and an oversimplification of the issue.
Meanwhile, Kinzinger, who served on the McLean County Board for five years, gives in-depth, nuanced answers that show he has done his homework and given serious thought to these serious matters.
He also demonstrates that he was listening while holding town hall meetings across the district that stretches roughly from Joliet to Bloomington-Normal.
Most of Halvorson’s appearances have been in more controlled settings, such as call-in “meetings” or union hall sessions. While her efforts to obtain federal funds for the transportation center in uptown Normal are appreciated, there’s more to being a congressman than “bringing home the bacon.”
Kinzinger is a self-described conservative on many matters, who doesn’t believe the president and Congress “create” jobs, but rather create an environment for job creation in the private sector.
“The more we look to government to create jobs, the more disappointed we are going to be,” he said in a meeting with The Pantagraph Editorial Board.
Halvorson talks about the need to help “small business” and calls herself a “pro-business Democrat.”
But both small and large businesses need government to get out of their way and not overburden them with regulation, taxation and other job-killers.
Halvorson’s aversion to free trade borders on protectionism and could be harmful to a state where exports — both agricultural and industrial — are a key part of its business.
Kinzinger correctly notes that trade agreements don’t make companies move jobs overseas — such moves are happening even in the absence of trade agreements. Instead, the costs of labor, taxation and regulation are what cause companies to move, he said.
On the recently passed health care package, Halvorson sums up her position as “implement and improve.”
Kinzinger faults Republicans for not addressing problems in the health care system when the party was in power. He favors repeal and replacement of what some call Obamacare, but acknowledges that won’t happen in 2011. Instead, he wants to see less costly reforms that also address medical malpractice.
Kinzinger doesn’t just espouse principles; he lives by them.
He resigned from the McLean County Board to become an Air Force pilot in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He has flown combat missions abroad and domestic drug interdiction missions.
He was recognized for risking his life to help a woman being attacked by a knife-wielding assailant in Wisconsin.
The area would be well served with Kinzinger in the U.S. House of Representatives and The Pantagraph Editorial Board endorses Adam Kinzinger for congressman from the 11th District.
