Robin Kelly is the strongest candidate for Congress in Illinois' CD2, and she will be a powerful, thoughtful and trustworthy representative for her constituents and all of Illinois in Congress. I have had the opportunity to not only observe Robin as a legislator and manager of public funds and trust, but also interact with her on a personal basis. I am proud that the DailyKos community (of which I have been a member since 2005) is supporting Robin, and I encourage people here to support Robin financially as part of the Orange to Blue project.
One of the most important issues to me is LGBT rights. In 2010, Robin was extremely helpful to those of us lobbying for the civil union bill in Springfield, and her support and advocacy was crucial to having the bill pass with few votes to spare in the House. Robin has been a public, consistent and progressive leader on LGBT rights, and she has committed to co-sponsoring the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal DOMA.
One critical defining issue in this election is gun and ammunition regulation. As we debate issues relating to gun and ammunition regulation in the wake of Sandy Hook and other tragedies, I am proud to say that Robin has been a leader on this issue. While two of her opponents previously received A ratings from the NRA, Robin is proud to have received an F. Find out more about what it means to receive an A from the NRA endorsement process. Also, check out (and circulate) Robin's ad on this issue and read her full statement on her policy position.
On progressive issue after progressive issue, Robin not only talks the talk but she walks the walk. She supports broad access to higher education (including a strong Pell grant program) and created a scholarship and endowment at her alma mater, Bradley University, that is now 20 years old. Robin supports the DREAM Act; supports a woman's right to choose and Planned Parenthood; opposes efforts to cut Medicaid and Social Security benefits; supports organized labor and small business opportunities through grants, tax credits and affordable loans; and, she will work to rebuild the infrastructure that enables people to access educational and employment opportunities in the Chicago area.
As Chief of Staff to the State Comptroller, Robin "pursued a progressive agenda rooted in promoting small business job creation, investment strategy innovation, eliminating food deserts and advancing financial literacy in underserved areas." As a legislator, Robin "successfully sponsored bills to protect consumers from fraud, support economic development, and increase the minimum wage. She also led the fight for landmark legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and improve public safety."
Robin is a true blue candidate, but beyond her support for these progressive issues, Robin's personal characteristics will enable her to be a strong and effective leader in Congress. She is a smart and tactical legislator and manager; she has the ability to speak to and work with a broad range of people, important in the current Congress; and, she commands the respect and admiration of her colleagues, constituents and staff. Finally, Robin is a genuinely nice person who is in public service to serve the public, and she does it extremely well. I have no doubt that Robin Kelly will be an excellent Congresswoman, and I urge you to support her financially, by volunteering, or by spreading the word about her campaign. Thank you!
12:29 PM PT: Also meant to add the Tribune endorsement here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/...