Local

Robin Kelly launches bid for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District


Matteson resident garners broad, grassroots community support from diverse district  

Matteson, Ill–(ENEWSPF)–December 2, 2012.  Citing her vast experience in creating jobs and getting results, Robin Kelly launched her bid today to fill the vacant 2nd Congressional District seat in the Feb. 26 Special Election.  

“Working families of the 2nd District deserve someone who cares more about getting results than just talking about them,” Kelly said. “I have spent my life delivering for our neighborhoods, our schools, and our small businesses. Washington already has too many politicians that can only talk about reducing gun violence, improving our schools and helping businesses create jobs—I’ve spent my life getting the results 2nd District families deserve.”  

Robin, who was appointed Chief Administrative Officer for Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle in 2011, is also a former state representative who served within the 2nd District. Robin already enjoys a broad base of support from the grassroots community, civic and business leaders and elected officials within the diverse district, which includes portions of urban and suburban, and rural areas. Active supporters of Robin’s bid so far include:  

Tim Bradford, Democratic Committeeman, Rich Township; Alexi Giannoulias, Former State Treasurer; Jennifer Artis, Trustee, Richton Park; Sam Brown, Trustee, Matteson; Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Trustee, Matteson; James Clayborne, Senator; Veloid Cotton, Sr., Trustee, Matteson; Sheila Friday, Board Member, Rich Township School Board District 227; Therese Goodrich, Trustee, Rich Township; Deborah Graham, Alderman, 29th Ward; Dorothy Grisco, Village Clerk, Matteson; Gary Kopycinski, Trustee, Park Forest; Kevin Little, Trustee, Matteson; Debbie Myers Martin, Mayor, Olympia Fields; John Ostenburg, Mayor, Park Forest; Betty Owen, President, District 227 School Board; Susan Pate, Trustee, Hazel Crest; Rick Reinbold, Mayor, Richton Park; David Webb, Jr., Mayor, Markham; Dwight Welch, Mayor, Country Club Hills; Joseph Whittington, Trustee, Harvey; Diane Williams, Trustee, Flossmoor; Barbara Wilson, Pastor, Full Gospel Christian Academy Hazel Crest;  Apostle Ron Wilson Full Gospel Christian Academy, Hazel Crest; Edward Zabrocki, Mayor, Tinley Park; Dave Main, Southland Friends of Labor and Laborers Local 5; Steve Schurch, Treasurer, Southland Friends of Labor; Carl White, Pastor, Victory Christian Assembly Church.  

The first African American woman to serve as chief of staff for a constitutional officer in Illinois, Robin has pursued a progressive agenda rooted in promoting small business job creation, investment strategy innovation, eliminating food deserts and advancing financial literacy in underserved areas.

As a former State Representative of the 38th District, Robin brings extensive legislative experience to the 2nd Congressional District.  She successfully sponsored bills to protect consumers from fraud, support economic development, and increase the minimum wage. She also led the fight for landmark legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and improve public safety. 

During her tenure in the Illinois Legislature, Robin mentored progressive candidates and encouraged new leaders, including one of her colleagues, Barack Obama, in his successful 2004 bid for U.S. Senate.

A New York native, Robin moved to Illinois after high school to attend Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She later received a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University. Robin currently lives in Matteson with her family.

 


ARCHIVES