February 25th, 2010
Excerpts from February 2nd:
Over the last year, a quiet despair descended on the State of Illinois. A governor arrested. A Senator’s seat disgraced. Corruption rampant. Unemployment rising. Families struggling. The people of Illinois see the arrogance of a one-party state. This election will show that we will not surrender to the dangerous cynicism of low expectations.
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Tonight, we begin a journey together to right our “ship of state” – and reclaim our place as the honest Land of Lincoln – the center of North America’s economy and crossroads of the nation.
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For the last decade, I had the privilege of serving the people of the 10th Congressional District. Together, we saved a veterans hospital, built a new commuter rail line and stopped the pollution of Lake Michigan. For those who know the Tenth –it takes a thoughtful, independent leader to earn the people’s trust in every election. I’m proud to say I did that in five straight elections.
Here, voters demand clean government, fiscal discipline, low taxes and economic growth. We reject corruption and embrace reformers. We know that one political party cannot hold all the answers – and that one political party should never hold all the power.
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In Washington, runaway spending threatens our economic security. This week, the Congress will try to borrow another Trillion dollars without any significant spending restraint.
And what have we gotten for all this spending? Bigger debts and four million jobs lost.
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In Springfield, the story is the same – an incompetent and corrupt state government that borrowed its way into bankruptcy. State investments mismanaged, families deceived and the future of our children’s education put at risk.
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For true reform, we must choose leaders who do not become criminals – men and women unafraid to stand alone to fight corruption, back prosecutors and pass the toughest ethics laws in America.
To turn the page from Rod Blagojevich and Roland Burris, the people of Illinois deserve a proven reformer who will fight for integrity in public office – and forge a path to economic growth.
The election before us offers voters a clear choice: will we continue with leaders raised in the tradition of Rod Blagojevich – or will we elect a reformer who can make our state proud?
As a Naval Officer; duty, honor and country are not just words – they are the code and the foundation of my life.
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Here in Illinois, with our river, rail, road and aviation networks, our state remains the single best place to start a business and create jobs. But we need thoughtful, independent leadership to reestablish our natural advantages and restore our potential.
We know that a government program funded with borrowed money from China cannot help for long. To increase incomes, you need low taxes, lawsuit reform and less borrowing – policies to empower small business to expand and hire.
As your Senator, I will back these policies to restore a check and balance to the U.S. Senate…thoughtful, independent leadership to help small businesses who can’t afford a lobbyist or lawyer.
I see a brighter future on the horizon – a future of high-paying jobs, economic growth and opportunity for all the citizens of Illinois. Are you ready to join me?
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Our Senate race will look like all our previous campaigns: many colors – unified under Red, White and Blue.
When I talk about creating opportunities for everyone in Illinois – I mean creating opportunities for everyone in Illinois.
A mi amigos Latinos – hacemos la programa abuelita, oportunidades a leer par ninos en ingles y apoyo al gobierno Illinois contra pandillas y Mexicano contra las carteles.
No matter who you are or what your background, if you want a better future for Illinois – this campaign is for you.
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We have seen dark days surrounding this U.S. Senate seat. The Governor tried to sell it. Illinois Democrats stopped a special election to fill it. And now, Washington partisans will do whatever it takes to hold it. But I’ve got news for them – the people of Illinois are ready for something different.