The majority of the people in the 9th Congressional District and many across Illinois care deeply about protecting constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties; they want us to invest in their kids’ public schools; they think government has a role to play in making health care affordable, the environment clean and retirement secure; they want to be safe in their communities and in the world and think that a war with Iraq doesn’t contribute to either; they want a strong economy and good jobs; and they believe that the President and the Republican Congress care much more about their rich friends than about families across America. 

I agree with them.

Now more than ever, with the Republicans controlling all branches of government, I can most effectively speak out for the constituents of the 9th District and the people of Illinois as an active member of the Democratic Leadership team in the House of Representatives and as a newly appointed member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.  That is why I have decided not to run for the United States Senate in 2004.  

While my name may not be on the ballot for Senate in 2004, I am confident that Democrats will choose a strong candidate who will win back the seat and I look forward to playing a part in making that happen.

The next two years will be critical, and the House of Representatives provides me with excellent opportunities to be a progressive voice.  I will once again be part of the House Leadership as a Chief Deputy Whip, a position I held when Nancy Pelosi was Whip. And now, as member of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, I will work to accomplish my top priority in Congress -- providing universal healthcare coverage for all Americans.  I will also focus on other critical issues such as energy and consumer protection.

I look forward to working with Nancy Pelosi, the new Democratic Leader, with whom I have been a close ally, to define and articulate the issues that are important to most Americans and to fight for policies that reflect those priorities.