SPRINGFIELD, IL-Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today filed petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections to be a candidate for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008.

“It has been an honor to represent the people of the 17^th District for the last 10 months,” Hare said. “We have accomplished a lot in a short time. I am hopeful my constituents will give me the privilege of serving another term so we can do even more.” 

Congressman-elect Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that he will retain retiring Rep. Lane Evans' district offices in Galesburg and Decatur.

Joyce Bean (Galesburg) and Pat Dawson (Decatur) will continue to staff their respective offices for Hare.

"Joyce and Pat have served the 17^th District well and I am pleased they've decided to join my staff," Hare said. "I am committed to continuing Lane Evans' legacy of exceptional constituent service. Keeping these two district offices open will allow me and my staff to be as accessible as possible."

Congressman-elect Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced his choices for a number of senior staff positions in both his Washington DC and district offices.

Dennis King, who served as Congressman Lane Evans' (D-IL) chief of staff throughout his entire tenure in the House, and Eda Robinson, who was Evans' office manager for over 20 years, will both join Hare's staff in their same roles.

Hare has tapped Tim Schlittner, a graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in broadcast journalism and political science, to be his communications director.

Most recently, Schlittner worked in the press office of Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the Majority Leader-elect. Prior to that, he served as deputy press secretary for Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA).

Rock Island, IL.—Phil Hare, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17^th District, today earned two more major endorsements just five days before Election Day.  The Quad-City Times Editorial Board endorsed Hare citing his "balanced approach" to tough policy issues and his work and success protecting jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal.

ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW) PAC, LEND SUPPORT TO CAMPAIGN IN FINAL WEEK

Rock Island, IL.—Phil Hare, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17^th District, today formally received endorsements from two major national organizations with strong membership in Illinois. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW PAC) and the Alliance for Retired Americans have endorsed Hare for Congress in the 17^th District.  The organizations welcomed Hare for back to back events in Moline today. 

Rock Island, IL.—Phil Hare, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17^th District, received the endorsement of the Decatur Herald & Review newspaper. The paper's Editorial Staff identified Hare's intent to be a problem solver in Congress, to support policies to keep jobs in this country, and to seek common ground where possible.   

 
"Decatur is a very important part of the 17^th District, and I am honored to have the endorsement of the Herald & Review," said Hare.  "I've worked for years alongside Congressman Evans to serve the people of this area and, if I win, I will build on that record." 

HARE CALLS ON ZINGA TO APOLOGIZE TO 17^TH DISTRICT VETERANS

"VOTERS AND OUR VETERANS DESERVE BETTER THAN DIRTY POLITICAL TRICKS, EVEN ON HALLOWEEN"

 
Rock Island, IL.—Phil Hare, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17^th District today, responded to a blatant political trick by Andrea Zinga on Halloween.  Hare called on Zinga to apologize to veterans for her transparent attack that sought to use them for political gain in the lead up to Election Day.  Hare, a veteran who was endorsed this week by the VFW, released the following statement: 

CANDIDATE'S HOMETOWN PAPER CALLS DEMOCRAT RIGHT CHOICE FOR JOBS, DEVELOPMENT

Rock Island, IL.—Phil Hare, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17^th District has been endorsed by the Rock Island Argus .  In endorsing Hare, the printed editorial in the paper today suggests Hare has the upper hand when it comes to the issue identified by the Editorial Board as most importation in this year's election: Jobs.  

"I'm deeply honored to receive the endorsement of my hometown paper," said Hare.

 Rock Island, IL—Phil Hare, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17^th district was endorsed by NATO's former Supreme Allied Commander, General Wesley Clark.  In a statement Clark recognized Hare's military service and his commonsense values.

"I'm honored to receive the endorsement of General Clark," said Hare.  "He's a decorated American military leader and his support means a lot.  I share his commitment to our troops and our veterans and to ongoing U.S. military leadership."

PHIL HARE RECEIVES ILLINOIS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION ENDORSEMENT

JOINED BY TOP DEMOCRAT FOR MEETING WITH TEACHERS IN MOLINE

Rock Island, IL.—Phil Hare, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17^th District, was joined today by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and members of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) for a meeting in Moline today.  The IEA has 125,000 members in Illinois and is part of the National Education Association (NEA). The IEA and NEA have endorsed Hare.  Rep. Woolsey currently serves as the top Democrat on the U.S. House Education Reform Subcommittee and could be its Chairwoman in a Democratic Congress.  Hare and Woolsey's remarks focused on education, including the No Child Left Behind law, before and after school programs and college affordability.