I scrolled through the diaries this morning and didn't see this mentioned yet. I hope my first diary isn't a repeat.
I don't usually expect to find much to smile about when I read the Tribune's editorials. But this morning there were two editorials that put a grin on my face.
In an editorial headlined Time for Crane to Retire
the conservative Chicago Tribune editors endorse Melissa Bean.
More below the fold
Here's what they have to say about Crane and Bean:
When Republican leaders passed over Rep. Phil Crane for the chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee in 2001, it was a clear signal that they didn't trust him with a prominent role in Congress. Crane might have taken the hint--after three decades of modest achievement in the House, it was time to leave. But he didn't.
The Tribune has admired and supported Crane's strong advocacy of free trade. But it has become evident that Crane's interest in serving his constituents has evaporated. He has used his seat in Congress as a cozy sinecure. In the last four years he has taken more than $109,000 in trips to spots around the world paid for by lobbyists and other private interests. Republican leaders privately acknowledge that Crane has gotten lazy and is out of touch with his constituents. The leaders have not been successful at shaking him out of his lethargy. It's time for a change.
The Tribune endorses Melissa Bean, an energetic, pragmatic Democrat from Barrington, in the 8th Congressional District. Bean, a business consultant, is not quite the ardent free-trader that Crane is, but she understands that free trade creates opportunities for U.S. firms and that foreign competition ultimately strengthens U.S. markets. She has sound views on tax policy, health care and education reform. She will, unlike Crane, pay close attention to the folks back home. Bean is endorsed.
But wait, there's more! Skipping past the rest of the House endorsements, there's a note from the Trib for Tom Delay. The headline reads The Wrong Hammer for the Job and predicts Delay is going to lose his post as House Majority Leader because he should.