Endorsement: Duckworth for Congress Dist. 8
We had high hopes for Tammy Duckworth two years ago when we endorsed her for a first term serving the 8th Congressional District. She's given us no doubt that she will exceed our expectations in a second term.
Duckworth, a Democrat from Hoffman Estates, is a relationship builder. An independent thinker. Washington needs more like her to help Congress climb out of its morass of intransigence, inaction and bickering. In time, she could be a real leader in the House and perhaps beyond.
In her two years in office, she's worked successfully with colleagues both in Congress and at home. She's built relationships with the mayors in her district, most of whom are Republicans, and come to appreciate the concerns of business leaders by visiting with them all over the 8th District, which encompasses parts of northwest Cook, central DuPage and eastern Kane counties.
Duckworth has co-sponsored legislation with Republicans in an effort to save money while at the same time protecting our men and women in uniform. As a lieutenant colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard who lost both legs when her helicopter took fire in Iraq, she is very attuned to issues regarding the military. She exhibited that understanding and sensitivity to military matters — as well as her independence — when she voted with just four other House Democrats against spending $500 million to arm moderate Syrian rebels.
She has developed in a short period of time a maturity and seriousness of purpose one wouldn't expect from a freshman congressman.
Duckworth faces Carpentersville resident Larry Kaifesh, a colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve who spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kaifesh is a staunchly conservative Republican making his first run for office.
Duckworth is endorsed.