Today I am taking the first step on a long journey as I announce my candidacy for United States Senate. We're streaming the event live on my website. Tune in here at 11:00am CST to watch.
My parents came to this country as Greek immigrants with no education, little money but a belief in the promise of America - that if you were willing to work hard and make sacrifices you could accomplish anything.
Over the past few months as I’ve explored a run for the United States Senate, I’ve traveled across the State of Illinois and have seen firsthand how hard-working Americans are struggling with this economy. They’ve shared with me their personal stories, from dealing with skyrocketing healthcare costs to worrying about their children’s future. In small towns and big cities alike, the message is clear: Americans just want their government to work as hard as they do.
I've said it here before, we are at a seminal moment in our nation’s history, and the decisions made by our government over the next several years are going to determine the future course our country.
That’s why today I will officially enter the 2010 race for U.S. Senate by launching a seven-city statewide tour, beginning in Chicago - where I will be broadcasting the event live.
President Barack Obama taught all of us that change is more than a slogan—it can become reality when we rally together against the stale status quo. We shouldn’t give in to cynicism and apathy, and we shouldn’t listen those who claim that the system can’t be changed.
We have the power to fundamentally change the way our government works.
I believe that this decision is too important to be left in the hands of the DC insiders, that the times are too serious to let the same old politicians fail to solve the same old problems, that it is our moment to stand up and that it is our time to create the real change we need.
That is why I am running for Senate. I hope you will tune in to watch.