Beth Coulson picks up John Porter endorsement in 10th C.D. GOP primary

WASHINGTON–GOP House hopeful state Rep. Beth Coulson, running in the 10th Illinois congressional district primary, picked up the endorsement of former Rep. John Porter (R-Ill.) who for many years represented the district.

“This is the gold seal because John Porter is one of the most respected Republicans in the 10th,” former Lt. Gov. Corinne Wood told me on Thursday. Wood herself is a key Coulson backer.

Porter last ran for Congress in 1998–so there is a generation of voters in the district who may not know him. But since GOP primary voters will probably trend older, the backing of Porter–and former Gov. Jim Edgar– give Coulson a leg up. After Porter announced his retirement, his endorsement of Mark Kirk in 2000 helped Kirk win in a crowded primary field. Porter had a top reputation as a moderate deeply involved in Human Rights causes.

At present, Porter is a partner and lobbyist at a Washington law firm.

Below, release from Coulson….

Coulson Collects Another Key Endorsement: Congressman John Porter

NORTHBROOK (January 7) – Today, former longtime 10th District Republican Rep. John Porter announced his endorsement of Elizabeth Coulson for the district he previously served.

“Beth is the best fit for the 10th district and I know her to be a dedicated leader” Porter said. “She is a strong fiscal conservative at a time when Washington, DC, needs legislators who will restrain runaway federal spending.”

Porter’s highly sought-after endorsement by 10th Congressional District GOP candidates comes on the heels of former-Gov. Jim Edgar announcing last month that he, too, is backing Coulson.

“Beth Coulson has demonstrated herself as a thoughtful legislator with the ability to master complex public policy issues and translate them into common sense solutions,” Porter said. “In particular, because of her professional background as a medical school professor, Beth would provide invaluable and much-needed insight into ongoing health care policy issues.”

“Congressman Porter’s endorsement of my candidacy is significant and humbling,” said Coulson. “Congressman Porter set a standard for ethical public service that I have sought to emulate. He was a prudent steward of taxpayer resources and an independent voice in Congress who always put the interests of our country and his constituents first. Congressman Porter’s legacy of service is well-remembered by 10th District residents and his opinion remains deeply respected. I am very thankful for his support.”

Porter’s endorsement follows the endorsement of the majority of Illinois Congressional Republicans including Reps. Judy Biggert, Timothy Johnson, Aaron Schock and John Shimkus and Republican members of the Illinois General Assembly including leaders State Rep. Tom Cross and State Sen. Chris Radogno. Coulson has also received the backing of numerous local elected officials and civic leaders in the 10th District. A complete list of Coulson’s endorsements can be found at: www.coulsonforcongress.com.

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