Here’s the kind of Senator I’ll be:

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Thursday April 07, 2016 · 10:08 AM PDT

2016/04/07 · 10:08

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.

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.

Please contribute $3 to elect Tammy Duckworth and take back the Democratic Senate majority.

I'm running for Senate

TammyDuckworth

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Monday March 30, 2015 · 11:06 AM PDT

2015/03/30 · 11:06

Ten years ago, I nearly lost my life when an RPG tore through the cockpit of my Black Hawk helicopter in Iraq.

The only reason I made it home was because of the heroism of my courageous buddies who risked their lives to save mine. I have an obligation to honor their sacrifice by making the most of this second chance in my life - this bonus time - and continuing to serve our nation, in any way I can.

That's why I'm announcing today that I'm running to represent Illinois in the United States Senate.

Watch the announcement video below to learn more about why I'm running, then sign up to join the campaign from Day 1.

We deserve elected officials who will do for our fellow Americans what my crew did for me in Iraq: look out for our hardest hit and most vulnerable, work together for the sake of our mission, and refuse to give up until the job is done.

This will be a long, tough campaign. But no matter how hard it gets, I know nothing will ever be as bad as that day in Iraq, and that allows me to be fearless about speaking up and doing the right thing.

I promise to fight my heart out during this campaign and to represent Illinois with honor and integrity. With you alongside me, I know we can win and that together, we will make America stronger.

Join the campaign today.

Thank you,

Tammy

Tammy Duckworth on Syria

TammyDuckworth

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Friday August 30, 2013 · 10:39 AM PDT

2013/08/30 · 10:39

Syria is undergoing a humanitarian crisis. While the United States cannot stand by as innocent civilians are being massacred, it's my responsibility as a Member of Congress to make sure we don't commit resources, the most precious of which are our men and women in uniform, with no comprehensive plan for our involvement.

While I support the President's authority to initiate action since he was elected by this nation and in light of the divisiveness in Congress today, I will have tough questions for the Administration should they intervene prior to Congressional approval.

In the days ahead I will be seeking more information from our military and intelligence communities. But until I feel it's imperative to our national security, I will not support preemptive intervention in Syria.

America shouldn't bear the burden unilaterally, especially since none of our allies, including those in the region, have committed to action.

It's military families like mine that are the first to bleed when our nation makes this kind of commitment. It's my obligation to make sure our government honors our troops willingness to sacrifice when we make such a decision.

GOTV Blogathon: Make It Count

TammyDuckworth

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Friday October 26, 2012 · 12:58 PM PDT

2012/10/26 · 12:58

The stakes in this election are high and the outcome of the Presidential, Senate & Congressional races this cycle will determine which path we follow as a nation. Either we’ll move our country forward by rebuilding the economy and creating good jobs, continuing to make college more affordable, and preserving critical programs like Social Security & Medicare. Or we’ll face continued attacks against women’s health, more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, and spending cuts that hurt our most vulnerable. It’s an important choice and your vote has the power to make a difference.

TammyDuckworth

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Monday September 03, 2012 · 2:06 PM PDT

2012/09/03 · 14:06

On Labor Day, we celebrate the hard work and ability to make your own future that is at the heart of the American Dream.

When in Congress, I will work hard to rebuild our economy and create good jobs for American workers - jobs that give people the security to meet their needs and support their children. I know that unions have always been at the front lines of that fight.

The labor movement is the movement that fought for a minimum wage, a 40-hour workweek, Medicare, Social Security and the weekend. It helped build a strong middle class and develop America into a strong nation. At a time when unions are under attack nationally, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with labor leaders to defend workers’ rights.

Whether it's working behind a desk or rebuilding America's infrastructure, American workers deserve an economy that rewards hard work and responsibility.

The American Dream I believe in is one that provides anyone willing to work hard enough with the opportunity to succeed. Life isn't fair and it isn't government's job to make life fair. But if you're not willing to give up on yourself, then we shouldn't give up on you either.

Happy Labor Day,

Tammy

Joe Walsh Called the Commander-In-Chief "Son"

TammyDuckworth

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Friday August 10, 2012 · 3:00 PM PDT

2012/08/10 · 15:00

From the Duckworth for Congress staff:

Joe Walsh is at again. At a fundraiser this weekend, here’s what he said about the President of the United States:

“I think [the Tea Party is] going to respectfully pick this president up and pat him on the head and say, son, son, son, Mr. President, you were never ready to be president, now go home and work for somebody and find out how the real world works.”

That’s not all. When a civil rights organization called ColorOfChange pointed out that calling the president “son” was a disrespectful way to refer to the Commander-In-Chief, Walsh responded by telling the group to “grow up, get a life and smile.”

Tell Walsh that his comments are inappropriate and offensive, especially coming from a Member of Congress.

Walsh has a long history of using condescending names and insults toward people whom he disagrees with politically. He has also patronizingly called Tammy “my dear,” disparaged her military service, referred to a female TV host as “kiddo,” claimed that African-Americans are “dependent upon government” and that “Jesse Jackson would be out of work if they weren’t,” and said that Veterans who disagree with him “don’t understand this country.”

It’s bad enough that Walsh constantly refuses common-sense compromises on legislation. But not treating political opponents with even a minimum level of civility? That’s unacceptable.

It can be easy to tune out Walsh’s offensive comments since, frankly, there are just so many of them. But we have a responsibility to hold him accountable every time. Sign the petition now.

Tell Joe Walsh His Offensive Comments are Unacceptable

TammyDuckworth

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Friday June 01, 2012 · 2:19 PM PDT

2012/06/01 · 14:19

At a recent town hall, Tea Party favorite, Rep. Joe Walsh of Illinois was caught on tape saying:

“The Democratic Party promises groups of people everything. They want the Hispanic vote. They want Hispanics to be dependent upon government, just like they got African-Americans dependent upon government. That’s their game.”

Walsh’s comments are not only offensive, they are especially irresponsible coming from a sitting Member of Congress.

Please join me in telling Walsh his comments are unacceptable.

Walsh has a long history of inappropriate and offensive comments. He has claimed--more than once--that Americans voted for Obama “based on who he was: a historical figure - our first black president.” He’s said that illegal immigrants “should be deported immediately, no questions asked.” In February, while talking about school choice, he said “African Americans and Hispanics love this issue...Republicans have to do a better job of talking freedom to some of these other populations. Because all the Democrats want to do is put ‘em on a plantation, they could care less of them.”

Enough is enough. This isn’t just a one-time gaffe--it’s a pattern. We can’t let Joe Walsh get away with these disparaging comments any longer.

It’s time to hold him accountable.

Netroots for the Troops: Taking care of those who serve us

TammyDuckworth

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Monday May 07, 2012 · 11:55 AM PDT

2012/05/07 · 11:55

Today, less than one-half of 1 percent of this nation is serving in uniform. We have come a long way from the Vietnam era when we foolishly punished troops as a proxy for a war many did not support. Today most Americans support the troops despite what they personally feel about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, with such a small percentage of the population serving, many Americans have no contact with military members or their families. While they want to be supportive, many don’t understand what they can do to help.

Netroots for the Troops is a great way for everyday Americans to make a difference and do our small part to contribute to the effort to serve the men and women who serve us on a daily basis.

lt's my personal opinion that all of us should serve our nation in some way. For those who want to give back to our troops, there are so many things we can do. It starts with President Obama who has given the Department of Veterans Affairs the largest budget increase in 30 years and continues to make sure that America keeps her covenant with her military men and women.

In the business community, employers have the opportunity to hire Veterans--not just because they want to help members of the military but because these men and women make the very best and most dedicated employees. Veterans have already demonstrated the ability to perform under the most extreme of pressures. Here in IL, I’m proud to have been part of first-in-the-nation legislation that provides tax credits to employers who hire Vets.

In our community, we can also find ways to make a difference. We must support military families, especially those whose loved ones are deployed. Organizations like Netroots for the Troops help us pool our resources to support our military men and women. Thank you for taking the time to contribute to their efforts.

Netroots For The Troops

Netroots For The Troops® is raising funds to send Care Packages to our soldiers stationed overseas.

You can donate here and then TexDem will use this money to buy the thank you gifts to be assembled by volunteers at Netroots Nation next month.

Over the years, many soldiers have sent letters to express their appreciation for these Care Packages and even posted thanks at Daily Kos:

It was in the middle six months of my assignment in Afghanistan that the packages started arriving. I received an array of things from them… letters, candy, toothpaste, floss, baby wipes, razors, food, socks, books, dvd’s. The list could go on and on. It was amazing. Netroots for the Troops was always there... The packages were a reminder that our country knows about our fight. Every day, because of their support, I knew that if it was going to be my last day, I would be remembered and I would be honored.

Please make a donation HERE. Thank you from the entire 2012 NFTT Team.

Netroots For The Troops®_ is a project of Netroots for the Troops, Inc., a Virginia non-profit corporation. The organization raises money for the assembly, mailing and delivery of Care Packages to American military in war zones and to provide assistance to military families in the United States. Netroots For The Troops, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.

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