Pelosi endorses Krishnamoorthi for Congress

U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg in the 8th Congressional District's Democratic primary on March 15, Krishnamoorthi's campaign reported Monday.

In a written statement, Pelosi said, "I strongly endorse Raja Krishnamoorthi because he is a true progressive and the best candidate to represent the working families in Chicago's Northwest suburbs."

Krishanmoorthi is running against state Sen. Michael Noland of Elgin and Villa Park Village President Deborah Bullwinkel for the nomination to succeed Democratic congresswoman Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates.

"Raja will bring to Congress a tireless work ethic and deep experience in the public and private sectors," Pelosi's statement reads. "These qualities will enable him to pursue our common goal of fighting for progressive causes and strengthening and growing our middle class."

Krishnamoorthi responded to the endorsement with a written statement of his own.

"I am thrilled to receive the support of the leader of Democrats in Congress," he wrote. "Nancy Pelosi has led the battle to enact President Obama's agenda - from enacting policies to promote the middle class to protecting women's reproductive rights and fighting climate change.

"I am humbled that she believes I am the best candidate to hold the 8th District seat for Democrats and build on the strong, progressive record of Tammy Duckworth," Krishnamoorthi concluded.

Noland noted that he never had the opportunity to speak with Pelosi before she endorsed one of his opponents.

"Those who don't call me or who don't get to know me, I don't take those endorsements seriously," Noland said. "But I do look forward to serving with (Pelosi) after next November."

A spokesman for Bullwinkel said endorsements from a non-constituents are not the focus of her campaign.

"Deb is focused on speaking directly with voters on how to increase wages, create good paying jobs by expanding infrastructure, and get illegal guns off our streets," he said.

Candidates in the 8th District's Republican primary are DuPage County Board member Pete DiCianni of Elmhurst, Joseph Hantsch of Wood Dale and Andrew Straw of Streamwood.