First, I want to say thanks for DailyKos’ recent endorsement and for the generous support of every DailyKos community member who has chipped in to support my campaign as we kick off the general election against Mark Kirk and work together to take back the Democratic Senate majority.
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Second, I want to share some thoughts with you about why our work to win back the Senate this cycle is so important.
Today, a recently laid-off steelworker in Granite City, Illinois is not sure what to tell his family. Unfair trade policies, unchecked dumping of Chinese steel and currency manipulation have taken their toll, and the job security he once took for granted is gone.
Today, a young girl in Chicago is studying and dreaming about being the first person in her family to go to college, but has no idea how she’s going to pay for it. Tonight, that girl’s mother is downstairs, just thanking God her little girl made it home safely today amidst the violence that plagues her neighborhood.
Today, an American Warrior is standing guard in a foreign country, counting on us to conduct ourselves on the global stage in a way that reflects our values, makes her sacrifices worthwhile, and enhances the security of the nation. And when she comes home, she will be counting on us to honor our commitment to her, by ensuring she has access to education, a job, and quality healthcare.
And today, an undocumented young man who has only known life in this country and sees himself as American as any of us will spend another night in the shadows.
Today, people all across Illinois — and this nation — are wondering when they’re going to catch a break. Come November, I will be their champion in the United States Senate.
I’ll be a Senator who is focused on making college more affordable, not one who calls free community college for qualified students ‘a handout.’
I’ll be a Senator who knows the economy works best when it’s growing from the middle out, not the top down; and not one who still believes that tax cuts for millionaires at the expense of the middle class will magically grow the economy. I’ll be a Senator who supports American manufacturing and workers by pushing for fair trade deals, not one who supports corporations shipping jobs overseas, or avoiding paying their fair share of U.S. taxes by setting up a mailbox in another country.
I’ll be a Senator who supports comprehensive immigration reform, and expanding opportunities for undocumented young people to earn legal status and a pathway to citizenship by serving in the military.
I’ll be a Senator who is committed to comprehensive reform of our criminal justice system so that it is fairer, smarter and emphasizes treatment and second chances — not mindless punishment and for-profit prisons.
I’ll be a Senator who understands the true costs of war, and will articulate a thoughtful foreign policy that recognizes our influence abroad comes as much from our economic might and diplomatic efforts — not to mention our values — as it does our military muscle.
And I will be a Senator who’s guided by policies that ensure that ‘all boats rise’ rather than only benefiting those who are already doing well. We Americans are in this together — and we will not leave other Americans behind. I’m alive today because, at my weakest moment, a handful of great Americans refused to leave me on the battlefield. Their selfless and heroic actions that day reflect our highest ideals as a nation.
I was able to attend college, become an Army Officer and serve in Congress because this great nation made it possible for me to get an education, even after my father lost his job and my family was laid low. It was no “handout”— I worked hard at multiple jobs, and studied during every available moment.
Our nation never gave up on me, and I will make sure that as long as I have anything to say about it, we won’t give up on any American who continues to work to better his or her situation. I believe our nation is strongest when every citizen has the opportunity to improve his or her lot in life. Our nation is strongest when it is inclusive and supports all of its citizens.
Thank you so much for your support, and I look forward to continuing the conversation as we work to take back the U.S. Senate.
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