Endorsement: Holmes for state Senate Dist. 42

The race for the 42nd District of the state Senate features a longtime incumbent, Democrat Linda Holmes, and relative newcomer Paul Santucci, a Republican.

Santucci may sound incendiary in some spots on his campaign website, such as with the quote, "The SAFE-T Act is horrific, and I will make it my first priority to appeal that law as soon as I get sworn in!" He probably means "repeal," but even so, in an interview with us, he was considerably more moderate. He said he was open to amendments to the SAFE-T Act now being considered. And about a topic some relate to crime, he said the migrants transported to Chicago and a couple of suburbs from Texas were being used as political pawns.

The longtime Naperville Township trustee talks reasonably about working to help small businesses and reduce people's tax burden. Impressive as this all is, he's not a match for Holmes. She's been in office since 2006, rising to assistant majority leader. Her interests focus also on helping small businesses such as with tax credits, as well as schools and the health of children, which she has wanted to boost by giving them access to locally grown fresh produce, also helping farmers.

Health care overall has been a focus since she was diagnosed with MS. She did not try to explain away tax relief efforts passed this year that happen to expire before or shortly after the election.

Santucci has merit, but does not possess the knowledge of state business or ideas for it that Holmes does. Holmes is endorsed.