Daily Herald Endorses -
For GOP: Bassi in 54th
(March 3, 2004) The Daily Herald continues its endorsements for the March 16
primary, today presenting recommendations for two state legislative seats in the
Republican primary.
House District 54
Voters in the Republican primary will choose from among three candidates in
the campaign for the Illinois House from the 54th District.
Our endorsement goes to incumbent Suzanne "Suzie" Bassi of Rolling Meadows,
who is seeking her fourth term.
Bassi has a strong commitment to education, a record of responsiveness to
constituents and a moderate Republican philosophy in keeping with the views of
most residents of the district, which takes in Palatine and parts of Barrington,
Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Inverness, Hoffman Estates and Rolling
Meadows.
There is no debate over Bassi's dedication to our schools. Prior to her
election to the legislature, she taught high school for 10 years and served on
the board of education in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 for eight
years.
In Springfield, she has been an active member of the House Education
Committee and through that position, she has worked to strengthen the public
school system in Illinois and the suburbs.
Her opponents are able candidates who clearly share Bassi's commitment to
public service.
Palatine Councilman Warren Kostka, in particular, expresses a common-sense
approach to government that we find appealing.
However, Kostka, making his second attempt to unseat Bassi, fails to state a
vision that would outweigh what the district would be losing in experience.
Patricia "Pat" Sutarik of Palatine has been active in local GOP politics for
a decade, currently serving on the Palatine Township Republican Organization
executive board and as president of the Palatine Township Republican Women's
Club. But her conservative views put her outside the mainstream.
No Democrat has filed for office in the 54th District.
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