Southern Illinoisan

Editorial Board

November 1, 2006

As much as John Shimkus would like the Mark Foley scandal to fade into obscurity, the nightmarish issue seemingly won't go away for the Republican congressman from Collinsville. Foley resigned from the House earlier this fall after it was learned he had been sending inappropriate e-mails to a former page.

Shimkus, who is chairman of the House Page Board, said he first learned of a problem with Foley in 2005 after being contacted by the parents of the page in question. Shimkus said Foley had sent an e-mail to the page asking about his well-being after Hurricane Katrina struck and requested a photo of that page.

"Congressman Foley told the clerk (of the House of Representatives) and me that he was simply acting as a mentor to this former House page and that nothing inappropriate had occurred," Shimkus said. "Nevertheless, we ordered Congressman Foley to cease all contact with this former House page to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I received no subsequent complaints about his behavior nor was I ever made aware of any additional e-mails. It has become clear to me that Congressman Foley was not honest about his conduct."

While one can argue that Shimkus should have reported Foley to law enforcement officials, it's a stretch to say that Shimkus was covering up the incident to protect the Republican Party and save his own hide.

Shimkus, who has suffered a hit to his re-election efforts, has proven to be a congressman with integrity. He changed his mind in deciding not to stick with a term-limit pledge last year, but otherwise, the West Point graduate has served his constituents well the past 10 years. He deserves the benefit of the doubt in this controversy, as well as your vote next Tuesday, in his race with Democrat Danny Stover.

Stover, a Centralia alderman and former college professor, has made Shimkus' re-election efforts more difficult in wake of the Foley scandal and the war in Iraq. He even suggested that President Bush intentionally misled the American people before attacking Iraq and putting American soldiers at risk.

Southern Illinois needs to keep a respected conservative voice like Shimkus in Congress.

Meanwhile, in statewide races, we endorse the following candidates:

l State Sen. Dan Rutherford (Republican) for secretary of state over incumbent Democrat Jesse White;

l Incumbent Lisa Madigan (Democrat) for attorney general over Stewart Umholtz (Republican);

l Incumbent Dan Hynes (Democrat) for comptroller over State Sen. Carole Pankau (Republican);

l State Sen. Christine Radogno (Republican) for treasurer over Alexander Giannoulias (Democrat).

Rutherford would bring a new energy to the Secretary of State's office that is much needed. While we are aware of the fact that White won all 102 counties in the last election and has been a good public servant over the years, we think Rutherford will lead the charge for revitalizing the office, making it more consumer-friendly in the 21st Century.

Despite having served only one term, Madigan has been a strong advocate for Illinois citizens and is not afraid to challenge members of her own party, including the governor, if she feels the need. She has also been an outspoken critic of Ameren in its attempt to raise electric bills to Illinois residents, stating that a three-year rate freeze be renewed.

Umholtz is a more-than-capable prosecutor, but has little chance at unseating the wildly popular Madigan, who may be honing her skills for a run at the governor's seat in 2010. It is our contention that Madigan should be re-elected.

Hynes is yet another Democrat not afraid to hold his ground against higher-ranking party officials. He is not a lapdog for the governor as his opponent has labeled him ad nauseam. Hynes knows finance and will continue to push the governor and legislature to be smart about spending practices. We believe he deserves another four years.

Radogno would bring 10 years of legislative experience to the treasurer's office. The member of the Senate Appropriations Committee would fill the shoes of Judy Baar Topinka nicely. Giannoulias, a successful banker, has energy and investment experience on his side, but his lack of experience dealing with state issues gives Radogno the edge.