The 7th District deserves engaged and effective leadership, and I want to be the Congressman to provide that kind of service by investing in every block and empowering every person.

As your Congressman, I want to be a leader who is engaged: engaged with the many diverse communities that make up this district, and engaged with the issues that matter to this district. I will pay attention to the people who make up the district by making it a priority to maintain two-way conversations with people and groups in all parts of the district, by spending time in the district meeting with constituents and by listening to their concerns and aspirations.

I want to be effective: effective in dealing with constituent concerns, by running professional offices, and effective in advancing legislation and bringing home resources that make a difference for the district. I will be effective because I will take the initiative, because I will build productive relationships on both sides of the aisle and because I work hard and follow through on all my efforts.

I will be a Congressman for a better 7th District. I want to bring the resources of the Loop to bear on the neighborhoods and communities to the west, and to unite the district with a sense of opportunity and a sense of community. This is a district of people who work hard. This district deserves a congressman who works as hard as they do, a congressman who is as tenacious in pursuing goals as they are, and a congressman who will work to create an America where their hard work will make the 7th district a better place to live, work and do business for everyone.

INVESTING IN EVERY BLOCK, EMPOWERING EVERY PERSON:

Economic Development
I will work to secure federal stimulus funds to improve local transit and encourage local business.

Credit Cards
I will seek advanced credit card reform legislation. The current system is unfair, deprives access and preys on the vulnerable.

Energy and the Environment
I will push for legislation to reverse the dangerous impact we’ve had on our environment. We must take initiative and lead the world in a global energy strategy.

Health Care
I support a single-payer health care system. I believe in President Obama’s three principles of reducing costs, guaranteeing choice and ensuring quality care for all.

Education
I support changes to the No Child Left Behind Act to get money to the schools that need it most. I also believe that all Americans should have the opportunity to go to college. Student loans should be interest-free and volunteer service should provide an avenue to repay student debt.

Immigration
We must acknowledge the 12 million people who are in the United States illegally. The vast majority of these people came here to try to make a better life for themselves and their families. It is time for us to face this situation responsibly and bring these people into the system.

Foreign Policy
I support a national security strategy that protects us from enemies of the United States and restores our standing in the international community.

Civil Rights
The 7th District’s greatest strength is its diversity – social, economic and cultural.  In order to protect and preserve each of our unique backgrounds and beliefs, leaders must actively respect and protect the civil rights of all members of the community.