A thank you from Tammy Duckworth

[wndycty]

Dear Friends:

Three months ago, I announced my campaign for Congress— a campaign to bring change to Washington and a new direction for our country. Since then, I have been encouraged to meet so many of you who share this commitment, and who volunteered your time and energy to our campaign.

On Election Day-- our hard work paid off.

Today, I want to thank each and every one of you for helping to deliver our message of change. I want you to know that, between now and November, I will work as hard as I can to justify your faith in me.

I also want to voice my admiration for my two fellow primary candidates-- and the people who supported them.

As I said Tuesday evening, Christine Cegelis is a person dedicated to high ideals who ran a formidable campaign. Christine and I share a common set of beliefs on the issues that matter most to the people of this community. Above all, Christine believes deeply, as I do, that we need to change the direction of this country.

Christine showed, through her deeds, that it is not enough to simply say that the country needs to change—it's up to all of us to do something about it.

By running for office, putting forth her ideas, and developing a core of active and energetic supporters who are equally dedicated to change, Christine Cegelis performed a great service to our community and our country.

Lindy Scott also brought great energy and insight to this race, and I have tremendous respect for him and the race that he ran. I look forward to working with both Lindy and Christine to advance the principles we share in the months and years ahead.

Now, the hard-fought primary is behind us, and we must join together in the ultimate goal of defeating Peter Roskam and winning this seat in November. After all, the stakes are high, and this opportunity—to compete for and win an open seat in the 6th District—comes once in a generation.

There are stark differences between our values—and those of our opponent.

Peter Roskam's extremism is out of touch with this community's mainstream values.

From his opposition to the scientific advances that can come from stem cell research....to his opposition to a woman's right to choose....to his support for—and financial support from—those who oppose sensible gun laws like a ban on military-style assault weapons....Pete Roskam's agenda reflects the values of his mentor, Tom DeLay. It does not reflect the interests and concerns of the 6th Congressional District.

Peter Roskam will support the status quo in Congress, which is being dictated by the special interests—at a time when our nation's problems demand real leadership for change. Dick Cheney put it best when he came to this district and praised Roskam as the kind of "partner" he needs in Congress.

We know better. We deserve a Representative in Congress who will stand up for this community, stand up to the special interest and stand up for the change the people of this country need.

I'm running because I think Congress should put our interests – not the special interests – first. That begins, first and foremost, with the issue that has been the centerpiece of my campaign: bringing affordable, accessible healthcare to all Americans who need it.

Again, I want to thank each and every one of you who turned out on Election Day. Thank you for your commitment to our community and to our country.

For those who supported me, I promise to work my hardest to justify your faith in me. For those who supported either one of my worthy opponents, I promise to work my hardest to earn your trust and support.

Let's join together to win in November, and bring the change our country needs!

Sincerely,


Tammy Duckworth

[Oceansaway]

1. thanks...n/t

[kevsand]

2. That's a very classy and gracious letter. /nt