When I vote for my Congressional candidate Feb. 5, I plan to cast a ballot for Jay Footlik, because I want someone who has the experience to foster change and has demonstrated the work ethic to get it done.

Jay began working to support his family when he was 12. He has served as a special assistant to President Clinton in the White House; he has lived in the Middle East working for a think tank developed to build a lasting peace in the region through better relations among the people there; and he has been a homeland security consultant developing ways to keep us safe.

Hard work and experience are the difference between Jay and Dan Seals. Seals, who has not held one job for more than a year, is like a 15-year-old with a learner's permit while Jay operates like a person who has been around the track at Indy.

Jay has the experience to be an effective member of Congress from day one and has compassion for working people because he has been there since he was 12. I plan to vote for Jay Footlik for Congress Feb. 5. Please join me.

--Rebecca Gonzalez

Lake Forest