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Out of the War, Into a Fierce Battle for Congress [IL-6]
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Race
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| Contributor | ArmyDem |
| Last Edited | ArmyDem Jun 04, 2006 11:51am |
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| Category | Profile |
| Media | Newspaper - Los Angeles Times |
| News Date | Sunday, June 4, 2006 05:50:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | Tammy Duckworth's injuries led her to seek office. She knows the race won't be easy.
By P.J. Huffstutter, Times Staff Writer
June 4, 2006
LOMBARD, Ill. — Sitting on a couch inside her cramped campaign headquarters, the Army major seems equally comfortable talking about how she piloted a Black Hawk helicopter in Iraq as she does her candidacy in one of the country's most talked-about political races.
Each time she reaches a possible ally or potential financial supporter on the phone, the double amputee takes a quick breath and launches into her pitch.
"Hi, this is Tammy Duckworth," she says. "I'm running for Congress, and I'd love to talk to you about my ideas for improving healthcare."
"Yes," she says to those who ask, "I'm the one who was injured."
The life of this 38-year-old political novice was radically changed in November 2004 when her helicopter was shot down over Baghdad, leaving her with catastrophic wounds.
As the Democratic candidate running in the Republican stronghold of DuPage County, the loss of her legs and the severe injuries to her right arm have done more than distinguish her from rivals. The wounds, which inspired her to enter the public spotlight, underscore some of her campaign messages — including a desire to hold the White House more accountable for the nation's military presence in Iraq. |
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