Unfortunately, Crane has built another solid reputation in Congress that clearly is not admirable: That of a show horse, not a workhorse. After 35 years in office, he has accomplished little of significance.
Consider some of his Republican congressional colleagues from Chicago’s suburbs who became national figures. In less time in office, Dennis Hastert became Speaker of the House. Henry Hyde rose to chair the House Judiciary Committee that conducted the impeachment hearings of President Clinton.
Crane? His national claim to fame came in being unceremoniously rejected by his own party for the chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee. Crane’s tenure should have secured that powerful position, but his track record of nonperformance lost it.
Ouch.
By all accounts, it is a close race, and we enthusiastically endorse Bean as the candidate who will work hardest on behalf of the district and the candidate who best reflects the views of its residents.