CHICAGO - Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) announced Monday that she's going to challenge U.S. Senator Mark Kirk because "it's time to hold Washington accountable."
"I will fight my heart out to represent you with honor and integrity," she says in a video making her announcement.
The National Republican Senate Campaign was ready with comment.
“Congresswoman Duckworth is a partisan politician who got her start in politics as a result of Rod Blagojevich’s political maneuvers," said NRSC Spokeswoman Andrea Bozek. "Unlike Congresswoman Duckworth, who has put her extreme policies in Washington before Illinois families by voting with Nancy Pelosi 92% of the time, Mark Kirk has been an independent voice. Senator Kirk’s record of accomplishment and thoughtful independence will outshine any candidate that emerges from the Democrat primary in Illinois.”
The IL GOP's chairman Tim Schneider offered his criticism:
“Rod Blagojevich protégé Tammy Duckworth is not the kind of partisan politician Illinois families want to represent them in the United States Senate. Duckworth represents the extreme wing of the Democrat party — voting with Nancy Pelosi 92% of the time. I have no doubt that next November, Illinois voters will re-elect Mark Kirk who has been a strong & independent voice for our state in Washington.”
