WindyCityMediaGroup.com – by John Fenoglio
With so many big problems in our country, a lot of politicians would find themselves between a rock and a hard place if they chose to rally behind hot-button social issues, like equitable rights for LGBT people. Jumping on the transgender bandwagon often makes them more nervous. Not so in southern Illinois. Meet U.S. Congressman Philip Hare. He’s a straight shooter when it comes to supporting the entire gay community, saying, “It’s about equality, stupid.” Congressman Hare—a lifelong Democrat, husband and father of two—represents Illinois’ 17th District, a swath of the west-central part of the state that includes cities such as Sterling, Rock Island and Springfield.