By John Roszkowski - Staff Writer
Pioneer Press
Posted Thursday, November 2, 2006
Audience members attending last week's debate between U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk and his Democratic challenger Dan Seals had their own views regarding who won.
Bob Corbett of Wilmette, a Seals supporter, said he thought the debate was a good opportunity for the two candidates to "face off" and he believes Seals performed well. Seals is challenging Kirk, R-10th, of Highland Park in Tuesday's general election.
"I think Dan did extremely well and I think he was more forceful in making his positions," said Corbett. "I think he did a good job of putting his agenda forward."
Kevin White of Chicago, a Republican candidate for Congress in 5 th Congressional District, also attended the debate. White said he believes Seals lacks the experience or depth of knowledge of the issues of Kirk.
"I think it's really hard to trade the experience of Mark Kirk for a relative newcomer," said White. "In my personal view, Mark Kirk has done a very good job and works very hard for this district."
Buffalo Grove Village President Elliott Hartstein said he was impressed by how both candidates handled themselves in the debate. "We're really fortunate in this district to have an intelligent discussion among the candidates based on the issues," he said.
Hartstein said he has high regard for Kirk and has worked closely with him on many local issues but also thinks Seals is an excellent candidate and likes his positions on many national issues.
"It makes it a difficult choice," he said. "I think it's going to be a very close election, down to the wire."
The candidate debate was sponsored by all of the League of Womens' Voters organizations in the 10th Congressional District and the Stevenson High School Political Action Club.
Rhonda Diamond, a member of the Glencoe League of Women Voters and one of the event organizers, estimates approximately 1,200 people attended the debate, filling the west auditorium as well as two other rooms and a lobby area equipped with closed circuit TV sets.
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