NW Illinois News

Republican House hopeful Andrew Chesney is hoping to ride the wave of another endorsement all the way to Springfield.

Chesney, who now serves as Freeport’s alderman-at-large, has gained the nod of the Journal Standard in his hard-fought battle with Democrat Nick Hyde in the 89th District.

In throwing its support behind Chesney, the newspaper’s editorial board described as “easy” its choice to endorse Chesney. The editorial board said he his more qualified to meet the needs of the people in his district.

Democrat Nick Hyde

Chesney said the differences between him and his opponent are distinctive.

“If voters are looking for lower taxes, less regulations and a plan for the state that gets us back to attracting more families and businesses,” they should vote for me,” he told NW Illinois News. “If it’s more of the same of what we’ve experienced over the last 40 years … they should look to my opponent.”

The Journal Standard also saluted Chesney for what it billed as his “willingness to be a team player,” a quality that Chesney also contrasts with his opponent. 

“My opponent has little experience across the board and I think going to Springfield may be too big of a task for someone as new to this as he is, at such a critical time in the state’s future and development,” he said.  

Chesney said he’s confident that his reputation as a fiscal conservative and deficit hawk will make all the difference.  

“People know that I will have their best interest at heart when it comes to their finances,” he said. “The alternative choice would be very expensive and offer little hope. I am confident that voters will turn out in big numbers for us.”

The 89th House District includes portions of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Carroll, Ogle and Whiteside counties.