A recent CBS/New York Times poll has put Congressional approval ratings at 9%. This may prompt many to ask “why do you want to go to Washington?”

In short, Congress needs representatives, not politicians.

Since entering Congress, neither Joe Walsh nor Randy Hultgren has introduced a single bill designed to create jobs. Instead, they have both chosen to join the Tea Party in their efforts to railroad recovery. It’s time to reinforce our message that people must come before politics.

I have a history committed to putting people first. Not only in my role as a three term Alderman for the City of McHenry but in my role as a businessman and consumer advocate.

As a small business owner, making sure that those I employed could go home at night to a warm meal and a roof over their head was a priority. As a consumer advocate with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, it was my responsibility to insure that businesses were pursuing profits in an ethical and legal manner. While with the Illinois Office for the U.S. Senate, it was my job to assist individuals in obtaining small business loans, and help entrepreneurs gain access to capital.

99.8% of all American businesses are small businesses. Unfortunately, it is that .2% that has prospered the most from tax incentives written to their advantage. They’ve received tax break after tax break, arguing that they will create jobs with the increased profits. However, a job in India does not count. A job in China does not count. An automated process that replaces human labor does not count.

We need to restack the deck in favor of the other 99.8%. Congress needs to talk less and do more.

It will be my commitment as the next Congressman for the Illinois 14^th, to fight for you. To fight for an economy in which the entrepreneur thrives and families, once again, start to see income, and the American dream comes true.