Rep. Lane Evans(IL) running again (despite Parkinson's diagnosis)

[mouse7]

"Lane Evans running again

By MIKE BERRY Of The Star Courier


Despite what his Republican opponent says, Lane Evans insists he can still do the job of congressman for the 17th District...."

"...Evans responded to statements made by Andrea Zinga, a former television newscaster who is his Republican opponent, that his Parkinson's disease has made him incapable of doing an adequate job as a congressman.

Evans said he has "never seen this level of negativity before," and said the real issue isn't his health, but how to provide health insurance for the 44 million Americans who don't have it.

"She apparently only wants to make very negative attacks on me," Evans said.

He said he believes having Parkinson's has made him a better congressman, since now he understands what kind of obstacles people face every day.

But the disease, Evans said, has not changed "who I am and what I work for." He said he still believes in "focusing on real issues that confront our people, locally and nationally as well...."

http://www.starcourier.com/articles/2004/02/20/city/city1.txt

[jamesinca]

1. Seems to me I remember a president not long ago

His name was Reagan I think. Did anybody besides the democrats ask if Reagan was capable, if health was an issue? They put Reagan in twice so apparently health is not an issue. FDR had polio and it did not effect his leadership. I bet this Andrea Zinga was a big Strom Thurman fan because of his incredible leadership until the day he died, but somebody with Parkinsons is really messed up. Although Parkinsons can lead to emotional instability and defective judgment, that is not always the case. I do think that Mr. Evans needs to start looking at stepping down because the day is coming when he will not be able to carry on effectively in congress.

[leesa]

6. Reagon's issue was Altzheimers not Parkinsons. No reason at all

that he can't do this job.

[jamesinca]

7. I agree

Reagan had Altzheimers, there have been many presidents with disease or disabilities, some type of pathology going on and they were very effective. Kennedy had Cushings syndrome if I remember correctly. Disease is not a reason to be kept from office.

[murielm99]

2. What a shame.

I like Evans. He used to be my rep, until they re-districted us.

[I Thaumaturgist]

3. Lane Evans

I used to live in Evans District. He has been a very good representative. He is a Vietnam Vet. Adrea Zinga is just another wealthy TV harpy that figures she can impose her views on the rest of the world.

I don't see Evans losing this one though. He's got too many friends in that district.

[davsand]

4. He's had Parkinsons for a while now.

Hubby says he thinks Evans has had it for at least 15 years--but I think more like ten--anyhow, this is not news.

Evans' opponenet must really be gunning for him to be using that kind of crap so early. When he won that seat he was the first Dem to hold that seat since the civil war. Evans has defended that seat against repeated GOP attacks, and Evans has always managed to hang on to the seat. He's still there 100% mentally.

They re-drew that district and it makes him stronger than ever... I just don't see her winning it at all with a negative attack like that on a health issue that is well known.

Laura

[kskiska]

5. Janet Reno had Parkinson's as attorney general

and ran for governor in Florida. Parkinson's is not Alzheimer's.