RICHARD BAEHR
October 15, 2014

The Daily Herald endorses Bob Dold. The Chicago Tribune endorses Bob Dold. And now the Chicago Jewish Star endorses Bob Dold. It is highly unusual for an incumbent to be rejected by the major local press in this fashion. The Jewish Star likes Dold’s independence, similar to that seen in Mark Kirk, who held this seat for ten years before becoming a Senator. Bob is better for Israel, because he will stand up to President Obama, rather than be a loyal toady, who votes with the President well over 90% of the time, and fails to use his office to ever push back.

The endorsements for Bruce Rauner for governor reflect that Illinois is pretty much a failed state at this point, with by far the highest pension deficit per resident of any state. The momentum for collapse accelerated when it became a one party state-Democratic, in the last decade. The state legislature will not turn Republican with Mike Madigan’s redistricting handiwork. If Illinois is to have any chance for an independent voice to stand up to those who now run the state government through their political contributions for their own narrow interests—principally the trial lawyers and public employee unions, Rauner needs to win. Illinois has become a laughing stock around the country the last few years, and it is not only because of Blago and the Cubs.

CHICAGO JEWISH STAR
Editorial Board
October 15, 2014

FOR CONGRESS: DOLD, the right type of candidate for the 10th District

WE DID NOT ENDORSE ROBERT DOLD during his first successful campaign for Congress, but we did endorse him in his second effort in 2012, when he was defeated by Brad Schneider. We strongly endorse him in this election, having seen from his term in office that he well mirrors the type of attractive moderate — think John Porter or Mark Kirk — who served the 10th District with distinction.

There has regrettably been little opportunity for voters to judge Dold and Schneider in public debates, but listening to Dold is refreshing because he comes across as the same person now as he was before: a bi-partisan advocate, a strong Israel advocate, a sensible critic of Obamacare, an impressive approach to boosting our economy.

Mr Schneider, also a strong Israel advocate, has not displayed an independent streak when it comes to Obamacare nor in proposals we have seen on how to revive an economy which has faltered for six years, and shows only erratic signs of improving. Mr Dold is a strong candidate of whom we expect much, and firmly endorse.