GALESBURG - Some politicians agonize and wonder openly whether they want to go through the trouble again: the campaign, fundraising events, the election itself and then, if they win, something with the potential to be much more draining and frustrating - Congress.
But for Phil Hare, it was an easy decision.
"I love this job, it's a great opportunity," he said. "I think we've done very well in the 10 months since I've been elected, but we've got a lot of work to do."
Hare points to raising the minimum wage, improvements for veterans health care and work on ethics reforms as accomplishments of this Congress. A health care system for all Americans and ending the Iraq war are two of the biggest things Congress still has to tackle.
What Hare said he is most proud of, and one of the driving forces behind his desire to work in Congress, has little to do with Washington itself anyway.
"People put a lot of faith in me. I've been home every weekend except two since January," Hare said. "A lot of this job is helping ordinary people with problems."
Hare specifically talked about the need to do whatever he can to find ways, and means, to help Galesburg recover economically.
"It's a district that I want to be able to see bounce back. The Galesburg community has just been hammered but the spirit of the people is just tremendous. I want to do everything I can to help the area rebound."
One thing Hare said he thinks will help would be the election of a new administration, more specifically a Democratic president. He has thrown his support behind Illinois Senator Barack Obama, citing his enthusiasm and hope he brings to the party. But, Hare said he will work every hour to help the Democratic nominee, no matter who it is.
"I think people are tired of this, they know we need someone who will govern on what's right," he said. "As the Bible said, 'This too shall pass' and so shall this administration."
So far, no known Republican is planning to challenge Hare, said Marc Young, chairman of the Knox County Republican Party. Candidates can file petitions from Monday, Oct. 29 through Nov. 5.
