I cannot think of a better way to kick off my 2010 re-election campaign than to be with nearly 700 friends and supporters at our Valentine’s Weekend Brunch at the Operating Engineers Local 150 Union Hall in Merrillville.  What a great time I had!

To all who came to the brunch, thank you for making it so successful.  I look forward to working with you during the upcoming campaign and I hope to see you again at the next event.  And I want to extend a special thanks to the Host Committee for the event – the local Democratic chairpersons and the labor union leaders whose support was so critical to making it happen:

• Bonnie Reese, 1st Congressional Democratic Chairwoman
• Tom McDermott, Lake County Democratic Chairman
• Jeff Chidester, Porter County Democratic Chairman
• Tom Lashbrook, Jasper County Democratic Chairman
• Terri Pasierb, Newton County Democratic Chairwoman
• Martin Kennedy, Benton County Democratic Chairman
• Jim Robinson, USW District 7 Director
• Dan Murchek, NWI Federation of Labor President
• Chris Hernandez, NWI Building Trades President
• Randy Palmateer, NWI Building Trades Business Manager

The event was a huge success for the campaign.  And having had the chance to be with so many friends on that special day left me energized for the weeks and months ahead.  We’ve got a long way to go to battle out of this jobs recession, but I am determined to do everything I can to bring economic development and a better quality of life to Northwest Indiana – and I am deeply humbled by the support that you have shown for keeping me in Congress to fight the good fight.  I pledge my best effort to earn your continued trust and support.

We have some great photos from the brunch posted in our photo gallery and on Facebook. Be sure to check them out to see all the fun. And after visiting our photo gallery on the website, please also take a moment to sign up to volunteer or to take a yard sign for the fall.

Thank you for all that you do.