Pete Donaghue Endorsed by Chicago Tribune

State Rep. Robyn Gabel, 73, is reliably progressive in her fiscal positions, and we have tended to endorse her much more fiscally conservative opponents in general elections in this affluent North Shore district, which includes Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook and Northfield.

In Pete Donaghue, she again faces a Republican opponent who is far more fiscally restrained. Gabel has long advocated higher taxes, including a graduated income tax. She voted for the temporary income tax increase in 2011 and subsequently co-sponsored a constitutional amendment to allow graduated income tax rates. She has consistently argued that Illinois needs more revenue to meet its obligations and adequately fund public services.

Donaghue, 65, is a former trader who has also worked in real estate. He told us he opposes a proposed millionaire surtax and supports pension reform that protects benefits already earned while reducing future obligations. Donaghue’s positions were less convincing on public safety. He would eliminate electronic monitoring altogether, without adequately explaining how courts should handle defendants awaiting trial who do not require detention. His ideas on property taxes also need more detail. While not an ideal candidate, he at least pulls in the right direction on fiscal issues, something desperately needed in Springfield.

Pete Donaghue is endorsed.