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 )