Today, State Representative Julie Hamos announced her candidacy for Congress in the 10th District of Illinois, a seat being vacated by Mark Kirk who is seeking Obama's Senate seat. This is a great opportunity to turn a red seat blue, but not just blue, solid progressive blue. Julie is not a Blue Dog who we can support in a moderately conservative district holding our noses and our tongues; she is a true progressive that should warm the hearts of all kossacks.
I have had the honor to get to know Julie over the past year or so in connection with our shared work and passion for the rights of people with disabilities. Her positions on important issues have been progressive and in line with my values, but most importantly, Julie is a true leader. She is intelligent and savvy, taking on and mastering complex issues, like regional mass transit and prison reform, that legislators with fainter hearts avoid. She is tough and strategic and she does not back down in the face of adversity or powerful special interests. And she is a genuinely warm and gracious person who will use her office responsibly to fight for those who do not have a voice.
Julie has a compelling story to tell. She and her family escaped from Hungary during the revolution in the dead of night when she was just a young girl. That experience has shaped her career and Julie has consistently given voice in Springfield to the voiceless. Learn more about Julie's biography:
http://www.juliehamos.org/...
Throughout her legislative career, Julie has been a tireless advocate on behalf of people with disabilities, in particular people with mental illnesses, and a champion of community integration.
See her Olmstead Discussion Paper focusing on the importance of community integration for people with mental illnesses:
http://www.juliehamos.org/...
In addition, Julie has been a strong supporter of gay and lesbian rights, co-sponsoring the Illinois civil union bill, but also supporting the full range of rights for the LGBT community:
http://davidormsby.wordpress.com/...
Julie has also been one of the most outspoken supporters of political reform in Springfield and is a strong supporter of heightened consumer protection measures.
http://www.juliehamos.org/...
http://davidormsby.wordpress.com/...
http://www.progressillinois.com/...
I encourage you all to learn more about Julie and where she stands on the issues important to you, and if you agree that she is a true progressive candidate, join Julie's campaign.
Join "Team Julie"
http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/...
Become a fan of Julie on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/...