Duckworth to speak on veterans issues at convention

DENVER - Since losing her bid for Congress, Hoffman Estates resident Tammy Duckworth has kept in the spotlight as a spokeswoman for veterans as well as Democrats.

Wednesday night is her biggest role yet.

Former Army Major Duckworth - who lost her legs when her Black Hawk helicopter was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq - will headline a tribute to veterans at the Democratic convention today.

"We need to do a better job taking care of our military," Duckworth said in summing up her speech recently.

In 2006, Duckworth narrowly lost to then-state Sen. Peter Roskam in a costly campaign that drew national attention.

Soon after, Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed her to head the state's veterans department. In that role, she has worked to bring in $70 million in new programs and funding.

Duckworth also has worked as a surrogate spokeswoman for Obama before veterans groups.

Giving Duckworth prime speaking time at the convention fits into efforts to portray the Democratic Party as pro-military even though it is anti-Iraq war.

Duckworth opposes the Iraq war, but she said she doesn't expect that to be the focus of Wednesday's speech.

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania, also an Iraq veteran who opposes the war, will be speaking with Duckworth during the tribute.

Later in the night, Obama's vice presidential running mate and former President Bill Clinton are scheduled to speak.

Politically, Duckworth's name has been floated as a contender for Obama's Senate seat should he get into the White House. Blagojevich will have the sole authority to appoint someone to fill out Obama's remaining two years.

The governor hosted a party for Duckworth in Denver Tuesday night, in a move that raises her profile, but also threatens to tie her to his challenged administration.

Duckworth is not ruling out a future run for office.

"I have not ruled out running for office again," she says. "I'm just not ready to do it now."