Hi Daily Kos!
First thing -- I wanted to say thank you for your support. I couldn't have launched this campaign and hit the ground running without the help of Daily Kos. This community is amazing.
A little about me, I got into politics as a single mom, taking on an entrenched Democratic incumbent who voted for the war in Iraq and caved to special interests. Because yes, we have to deny conservatives their extreme agenda, but if we really want to win on big issues like equal pay, paid leave, expanding healthcare coverage, and Wall Street reform, we have to push the limits of what pundits and people in the Democratic Party think is possible.
My belief in pushing the Democratic Party comes from having a different perspective. A grassroots perspective. A perspective that doesn’t come from Washington, but from struggling as a single mom, raising a son on my own, and balancing the grocery bills with the gas and childcare bills. I’ve been an activist my whole career, fighting against an establishment agenda that compromises on bad trade deals and cuts to the social safety net. As single, black mother I’ve struggled, used food pantries, and have been one hospital bill away from bankruptcy.
I want to bring these perspectives to the United States Senate -- to represent the voices of so many women and families who are going through what I experienced.
So here I am, taking on the establishment once again (in more ways than one).
I’m facing an establishment opponent who believes in compromising on our core principles with Republicans, even if that means cuts to Social Security.
I’m taking on the NRA because I believe politicians should not be bullied into once again letting a moment of silence be the only action we take on gun violence.
And I’m not taking money from Wall Street, because I believe people should know I’m working for them, not whomever will write the biggest check.
So if you want a voice that will stand out in the United States Senate and fight for working families, regardless of which way the political winds are blowing, I'll fight with you. If you believe we need to keep pushing the Democratic Party to take bold, progressive stands, join me in this campaign.