Dear Friend,
Today, I announce my candidacy for the United States House of Representatives from the Tenth District of Illinois.
I am running for Congress because I believe that as a country, we have lost our way. On issues both at home and abroad, we have seen poor leadership, gross mismanagement, and downright neglect. That needs to change. I believe that our current representative hasn’t shown the independence or good judgment to get us back on track. I want to help get government working again.
Government should be focused on expanding opportunities for more Americans, meeting our responsibilities, and strengthening our communities. One of our most urgent needs is bringing a responsible end to Iraq as quickly as possible. But we must also address long neglected needs such as our broken healthcare system and overdependence on oil. Abroad, I am absolutely committed to the safety and security of Israel; a key partner in our fight against terrorism. And I believe that to reduce terrorism we must not just fight the terrorists-but also fight the conditions and ideas that produce them.
The differences between me and Congressman Kirk are clear. He has supported President Bush’s agenda and I do not. Congressional Quarterly reports that he has voted with the President almost 90 percent of the time. Since the last election he has tried to reverse some of those key votes. He even went to the White House, as many papers reported, to tell President Bush that the war was hurting his reelection prospects. I couldn’t disagree more with this kind of leadership. Congressman Kirk is putting politics before policy. On issues as critical as these we must have the courage of our convictions. His votes should be driven by what he feels is right, not what he feels is expedient.
We earned a lot of respect with our last campaign. In 2008 we will finish the job, and begin the process of bringing the Tenth District the independent leadership it deserves.
I am pleased to have the support of State Senator Terry Link, State Senator Susan Garrett, State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg, State Representative Elaine Nekritz, State Representative Eddie Washington, State Representative Julie Hamos and State Representative Kathy Ryg.
I invite you to join me in our campaign to strengthen our communities and expand opportunity for all Americans. Please visit my website to view our announcement video, read the press release, sign-up to volunteer or make a secure online contribution.
