· Putting people ahead of politics:

Washington does not seem to live by the same rules that everyone else lives by. In Washington, politicians put themselves first, put money first, and put special interests first. We need a representative in Washington who will stand up in Washington and put people first.

We need to end partisan bickering and start working toward solutions to the common challenges facing us all. Good ideas come from both sides of the aisle, and my first loyalty is to the people of my district, rather than any political party or special interest.

We need to set benchmarks and goals for the war in Iraq, and we need to have a plan to bring our troops home safely and quickly. We should also establish clear goals and benchmarks for the Iraqi government, and bring the troops home if they’re not met.We’re also spending too much money on the war in Iraq, and not enough on people here at home. For the amount that the people of this Congressional District have already spent on the war, we could be providing health care for over 300 thousand people or hiring nearly twenty thousand teachers.

It’s unfair that well-connected defense contractors like Blackwater and Halliburton get special no-bid contracts without any accountability.

As a doctor, I am committed to fixing the health care crisis in this country. That means making sure children can get the health care they need, and seniors can afford the prescription drugs they deserve.

It’s unfair that Members of Congress receive better health insurance than most Americans. That’s why I have pledged not to take taxpayer- funded insurance until all Americans have access to quality, affordable care.

As a mother of four, I know first-hand what it’s like raise a family in Ohio. I know the struggles families face to send their children to school and college, to manage the family finances, to balance time at work and home, and to take care of one’s parents as they age. In Congress I will stand up to put families first.

To strengthen American business, I believe we need to restore fiscal discipline in Washington and make the tough choices necessary to balance the budget. I also believe we must invest in the things that make the American economy the strongest in the world: excellent schools, science and technology research, and student loans for college. I also believe we should stop giving tax incentives to companies that outsource jobs to China and India. Instead, we should work together to bring good jobs back to Southern Ohio.

Gas prices are too high. We should reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reduce our dependence on the foreign powers that provide it. Southern Ohio is well positioned to develop alternative energy sources for the nation - let's invest in cleaner, renewable power produced here at home.