Take note: Congressional Candidate Phil Hare in IL-17

[Radical Activist]

Its odd that this has gotten so little attention in the national media or on DU. Illinois Congressional district 17 is now an open seat after Democrat Lane Evans announced his retirement. The district leans Democratic but not strongly so.

Phil Hare was chosen to be the replacement nominee over five other challengers. He was the candidate among Democrats who stated most clearly that he would stand for progressive Democratic party values. His selection as the nominee is a big victory for progressives after some party establishment figures started lining up behind a more conservative rival.

This is by no means a safe Democratic seat. Hare will need to raise huge amounts of cash in a shortened period of time. The progressive online community should come to his aid.

Here's part of a recent article on Hare:

Hare spoke about his desire to see health care more accessible for Americans. He said health care should be a right and not a privilege. Ways to do that include funding medical clinics for communities, he said.

Hare said health care for veterans is also a priority and he criticized the Bush administration for not providing enough funding for service members who need health care.

Hare, who says he would like to sit on the Veterans Affairs Committee, admitted that he wouldn't be one of the most powerful members of the group. But he said he will fight for policies that help veterans in the district.

"I have a big mouth as you all know, and I'm going to use it," he said.

Hare stressed that he is a pro-labor Democrat and wants to keep jobs in the United States.

When asked about Iraq, he said that President Bush needs to be clear about its exit strategy because Americans have a right to know it.

http://www.register-mail.com/stories/061006/MAI_BA2F932V.GID.shtml

[murielm99]

1. I'm not saying he won't have to work hard.

He is knowledgeable, and he will work.

But his opponent is a farking idiot. And I don't see the pukes putting lots of effort and money into this one, the way they have in some other Illinois races.