A sad day - Lane Evans retiring

U.S. Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL 17th Congressional District Representative) has announced his decision not to seek re-election. Rep. Evans, first elected in 1982, has an admirable record on civil right issues, including voting NO on the proposed Constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, and sponsored an amendment for equal rights by gender. A Vietnam-era veteran, Evans established himself as a voice for vets early in his career. He spearheaded legislation that compensated Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange and fought for more funding for veterans medical care. He became the top-ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee in 1995 and also sat on the Armed Services Committee. Some of his civil rights voting record is available at OnTheIssues.org.