Dear Friends ,

As I've traveled across Central Illinois over the past year, I've met thousands of concerned citizens who told me the same thing -- they're tired of the old way of doing business in Washington and they're ready for a change.

For too long, we've had a Congress that puts politics before people and parties before principles. It's time for a better way. It's time for a fresh start.

In 2000, voters in the 15th District have a clear choice and the decision comes down to trust. My opponent, State Representative Tim Johnson, has proven that he is not worthy of our trust.

Tim Johnson is a professional politician who's made a career out of bending the truth in Springfield. He shirked one of his most basic responsibilities when he allowed a paper clip to cast votes for him on important state issues.

And when Johnson did show up to do his job, he's been far out of step with the common sense views of the people of the 15th District. He's opposed reasonable measures to protect our children from gun violence. He's voted for higher gas taxes. And he's refused to support state efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors.

I'm running for Congress to give working families a voice again in Washington. I'll fight for a tough Patients' Bill of Rights to put doctors and patients back in charge of healthcare decisions. I'll work hard to protect and safeguard Social Security and expand Medicare to cover the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. And I'll lead the effort to pass moderate, bipartisan measures to keep guns out of the hands of felons and make our children safer.

I would be honored to have your support in November. And I promise you this -- I'll work hard every day to be worthy of your trust.

Sincerely,

Mike Kelleher