I was disappointed to see the Tribune did not endorse Nancy Kaszak in her bid to become the congresswoman for the 5th District of Illinois (“Choices for U.S. Congress,” Editorial, March 6). The editorial mentioned that the district encompasses a good part of the old district of Sidney Yates, and talked about him as a so-called “cardinal” (a chairman of a House appropriations subcommittee). He was that, and a good one.
I remember Yates more as the bellwether on some important issues for many members of Congress. When I would walk onto the floor of the House to cast one of the many votes that would come up in a day, I would look first to see how Yates was voting. On those occasions when I would see his light up there different from those of other Democrats, different from those of other Illinois Democrats particularly, I would look closely at the issue before I cast my vote.
Yates voted his conscience, whether it was on eliminating the House Un-American Activities Committee, or preserving the writ of habeas corpus, or supporting civil rights matters, or opposing the war in Vietnam, or opposing tax breaks for special interests.
It is that unique quality that Kaszak would bring to the House of Representatives–the willingness to stand up for what she thinks is right even when it is lonely to do so..
Kaszak has shown her courage in her previous career as a state legislator, and she would be somebody special in the Congress.
If Yates is to be a measuring stick, and I think he is a good one, then Kaszak would give full measure.
