SPRINGFIELD, IL-Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today filed petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections to be a candidate for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.
“It has been an honor to represent the people of the 17th District for the last 10 months,” Hare said. “We have accomplished a lot in a short time. I am hopeful my constituents will give me the privilege of serving another term so we can do even more.”
During his first term in office, Hare has been a leader on providing veterans their benefits, expanding economic opportunity and creating jobs, improving workplace safety, promoting fair trade, investing in renewable energy, and expanding access to health care. “Every time I cast a vote on the House floor I have one thing in mind: how will this affect the families of the 17th District of Illinois?” Hare said.
Hare has worked hard to secure federal funding for important local projects including the Rock Island Arsenal, the city of Galesburg, Whiteside County Community Health Clinic, the Monmouth National Guard, the Rock Island County Mass Transit District (MetroLINK), Richland College in Decatur, and Lock and Dam 24 in Calhoun County. “Part of my job as a Member of Congress is to make sure the 17th District gets its fair share,” Hare said. “I was proud to put my name on these requests and will work hard to see them signed into law.”
Hare has been recognized by local newspapers and editorial boards for his outstanding work. The Illinois Associated Press said, “Congressman Hare is quickly making his mark.” The Quad-City Times called Hare “the leading voice for reform at the VA.” Sauk Valley Newspapers praised Hare’s dedication to the district saying, “If local folks want to meet with Hare, he's been making himself available. That is as it should be.”
Hare has held public events nearly every weekend since he was sworn into office. In May, he made good on a campaign promise by opening a Carlinville office in order to better serve his constituents in southern Illinois. “As Lane Evans’ former district director, I know firsthand the importance of constituent services,” Hare said. “I am committed to working hard for all 23 counties in my district.”
Hare said his proudest moments were seeing a minimum wage increase signed into law, helping craft the largest investment in college financial aid in over 60 years, and passing a budget that finally honors ours veterans. He acknowledged there is still a lot to be done in the months and years ahead. He said ending the war in Iraq and reducing the number of uninsured Americans would be among his top priorities.
“I love this job,” Hare said. “To me, it’s about helping ordinary people get a hand up.”
