Don’t let outside money sway vote

Considering the millions of dollars outside organizations are pouring into the 8th District Congressional race to try to get Joe Walsh re-elected, I decided that it would not be inappropriate to put some outside “boots on the ground” -- mine! -- in support of Tammy Duckworth. (I live in the new 9th District.) With that in mind, and because I feel that this race is important for a whole bunch of reasons, too many to list here, I knocked on doors in Elk Grove Village on a recent Sunday and talked with folks about the campaign, and about Tammy, who, I believe, is unquestionably the best candidate to represent them in Congress. It was an awesome experience! I met some super nice people and had a lot of meaningful conversation.

In case any politicians who might read this are interested, without exception, everyone with whom I spoke expressed unhappiness — disgust, actually — with what’s going on in this election. And they can’t wait for it to be over. But I digress.

I’m sure Walsh supporters are delighted with the efforts being made by wealthy groups to buy him the election. But, as far as I’m concerned, that’s not the American way, and I think most right-minded Americans would agree with my assessment.

The Duckworth campaign won’t come anywhere even close to having the kind of money that Walsh’s now has so I’ll be out there going door-to-door in the 8th District talking to people about Tammy until election day. I hope that my “boots on the ground” efforts — and those of other Tammy supporters — will help to offset the humongous financial advantage that the Walsh campaign has. We need to let those big-bucks political organizations know that American government isn’t for sale to the highest bidder.

Ursula Hoeft

Northbrook