Merrillville, Indiana – U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky (D-Merrillville) has filed for re-election for Indiana’s First Congressional District, which includes Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton and Benton Counties.

“If there’s one thing I stand for above all else, it is ensuring that our region has all that it needs to keep good-paying jobs here and to create a future of economic growth and opportunity for our citizens,” said Visclosky.  “I know that if we can create the infrastructure to support growth, our local residents are willing and able to work hard to make great things happen here in Northwest Indiana.”

“At a time when we still face enormous economic difficulties, it is important that elected officials of all political persuasions work together to get the country moving again,” he added.  “If re-elected, I intend to continue to work closely with leaders from both parties here in Indiana and in Washington to get things done for the people of the First Congressional District.”

A longtime champion of steel industry jobs who serves as Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, Visclosky earlier this year led a successful effort to include a “Buy American” provision in the federal stimulus package.

The Congressman has also worked to secure federal investments in major economic development initiatives such as the enhancement and extension of the South Shore Rail Line, the expansion and development of the Gary/Chicago Airport, investments in our local colleges and universities as well as the Marquette Plan for improving the Lake Michigan shoreline to help create economic development opportunities and good paying jobs.

Visclosky earned a B.S. degree in Accounting from Indiana University Northwest, a law degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master’s degree in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University .  He is married to Joanne Royce, and he has two sons, John and Timothy.