Commentary

Robin Kelly for the Democrats in Congress


Staff Commentary

Voters still on the fence regarding candidates for the February 26 Democratic Primary in the Special Election for the 2nd Congressional District in Illinois can relax: Robin Kelly is the clear choice.

During her time as State Representative of the 38th District, Kelly was always, always responsive to the needs of her constituents. From a local perspective, we are aware of several instances when then-Rep. Kelly called the Manager’s office at Park Forest Village Hall from the floor of the Illinois House, alerting Park Forest staff of possible state allocations for infrastructure projects and more.

We have no doubt that Robin Kelly will be just as responsive for the entire 2nd Congressional District.

Kelly’s integrity, her tenacity, and honesty will be welcome in the district. Her straightforward and focused manner are needed in Congress. Her prior experience in government distinguishes her: working for the Village of Matteson, her two terms in the Illinois House, her work in the office of former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, and, most recently, serving as Chief Administrative Officer for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

Members of the 2nd Congressional District need–and deserve–a solid Democrat in Congress. After the past several months of virtually no representation in, we see Robin Kelly stepping up from the start.

Unfortunately, during the campaign leading up to the March 2012 primary race against former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson succeeded more in positioning herself as the "anti-Jackson" candidate than in defining her own message. Voters should remember that the NRA endorsed Halvorson for the 11th Congressional District in 2010 over Republican Adam Kinziger. Given her NRA-entanglements, any chance for meaningful rethinking of firearm regulation in this post-Sandy Hook world would be lost if Halvorson were elected.

Robin Kelly’s solid "F" rating from the National Rifle Association gives us hope. As a state representative, Kelly served her constituents, not lobbyists. We are confident she would do the same in Congress.

For Democrats, the choice is clear: Vote Robin Kelly for the Illinois 2nd Congressional District.


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