BY BOB SUSNJARA, Daily Herald
U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean says she noticed a decrease in violence in
Iraq on a trip there last weekend, but the Barrington Democrat isn't ready to
embrace the White House's stay-the-course position.
Bean was part of a congressional contingent that visited Baghdad's
heavily protected "green zone" and met with military leaders such as Gen. David
Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.
Although the Iraqi forces are better trained and prepared as
violence seems to be declining, Bean said, there still is room for
improvement.
Bean said she observed U.S. and Iraqi special operations. She said
the decline in violence she noticed allowed the traveling party to get "out and
about."
"In the past, they never let us out of a car without the flak
jacket and helmet on," said Bean, who went to Iraq about two years ago. "In this
case, it was definitely a more relaxed attitude toward security."
Bean is seeking re-election in the 8th Congressional District,
which spans portions of Cook, Lake and McHenry counties. She'll face Randi
Scheurer of Lindenhurst and Jonathan Farnick of Woodstock in the Democratic
primary Feb. 5.
Steve Greenberg of Long Grove and Gurnee residents Kirk Morris and
Kenneth Arnold will compete in the Republican primary.
Iain Abernathy of Round Lake Beach is the Moderate Party
candidate. He doesn't have any primary foes on the ballot.
( http://www.dailyherald.com/story/print/?id=73481 )