I am a wife and mother -- a pilot and veteran -- and a union member who understands the challenges workers and families are facing in this difficult economy.
I’m not connected to any of the political families that have run Chicago for decades. I’ve been active in our community for years, but I didn’t get involved in politics until Barack Obama entered the race for President. I answered his call to community activism and public service. I lent my expertise to his campaign policy committees, focusing on transportation and infrastructure issues. I also worked hard organizing my fellow veterans, traveling to 9 states, knocking on doors, making phone calls and coordinating volunteers.
We can expect close to a dozen candidates to compete in the March 3rd Democratic primary to fill this seat being vacated by Congressman Rahm Emanuel. And the primary winner will most certainly win the general election in this very Democratic district. There are plenty of lawyers and long-time Chicago politicians in the race. They may all be good people, but they do not offer the leadership we desperately need to change the political culture of Chicago, or to bring help to the many members of the district that are out of work, or in danger of losing their homes.
I am the only veteran in the race. I was a Navy Aircraft Commander and one of the first women to serve as Mission Commander in our nation’s Strategic Command. After my military service, I worked as a pilot for Delta Airlines. As the only union member in this race, I will fight for the right to bargain collectively for fair wages, health benefits, workplace safety and pension security.
Please check out my campaign at www.donatelliforcongress.com
My husband Mike and I are raising a blended family with six children – ranging in age from 12 to 22. Believe me, I understand how hard it is for working families to pay the bills, save for college, and put enough away for a secure retirement. I believe we need more people with this kind of real-world experience to serve in Congress—people who have a life experience that makes them pragmatic, with common sense, and is solution-driven!
As a veteran, I am particularly concerned about the needs of our returning troops. Long deployments have put incredible stress on our soldiers and their families. Many of our troops are returning with traumatic injuries that will require years of treatment and therapy. Many will need counseling to cope with PTSD and other emotional and psychological conditions resulting from their combat experience. In Congress, I will fight to improve veterans’ health care so all our veterans receive the world-class medical treatment they deserve.
I love our great city, but I’m ashamed by the systematic corruption of the machine politicians in Chicago. On March 3rd, Democrats have a chance to elect a Representative to Congress who will help turn the page on years of scandal and disgrace. The nation has elected Barack Obama to usher in a new era of high ethical standards and progressive chance. Of all the candidates in this race, I am uniquely qualified to help him bring about this kind of real change.
During the coming weeks, I will be making additional postings here at Daily Kos about the issues important to our community and the nation: protecting American jobs, making government more accountable, enacting universal healthcare, guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, strengthening public schools, making college more affordable, investing in our transportation infrastructure, and expanding the use of renewable energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and dirty coal.
The March 3rd primary is only weeks away. We are in a full-blown sprint to the finish. I am up to the challenge, but I will need your help. You can volunteer or donate at www.donatelliforcongress.com If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me at staff@donatelliforcongress.com.