Any of the four challengers would be better than state Rep. Derrick Smith, who was expelled from the House in 2012 following his indictment but was then re-elected. Our endorsement goes to Pamela Reaves-Harris, an attorney and administrative law judge who was raised in public housing and earned a degree from the University of Illinois. She's running to serve her community, balance the state budget and spur job creation. She is backed by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) and former Ald. Ed Smith. We're also very impressed with Antwan Hampton, a communications professor at Northern Illinois University. Eddie Winters, a Chicago police sergeant, and Beverly Perteet, a former school teacher, would be better than the incumbent, too. But Reaves-Harris stands tallest, and she is endorsed.