American Politics

Patrick Kern

Professor Goergen

Portfolio Assignment #5

My local representative for Addison, Illinois is Tammy Duckworth. Tammy was born on March 12, 1968 in Bangkok Thailand. She is the first member of Congress to be born in Thailand. Tammy's family settled in Hawaii when she was 16 years old and she eventually went on to graduate and gain her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science degree from the University of Hawaii. From there she gained her Master's in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Tammy is probably most well known for her service in the Army Reserve. In 2004, while working towards her PHD, she was deployed to Iraq and eventually lost her right leg at the hip and her left leg below the knee when the helicopter she was co-piloting was hit by a rocket propelled grenade launched by Iraqi insurgents. After receiving multiple medals and awards, Duckworth returned to the States to begin her political career.

The 8^th district, which Tammy represents, is overall a pretty wealthy and well off district, as compared to the rest of the world. The towns within the 8^th districts are all suburbs to the city of Chicago. Overall the district is pretty diverse ethnically, religiously, and industrially.

According to votesmart.org, Tammy Duckworth is pro-choice when it comes to the political position on abortion. I believe this is probably the most difficult issue facing a politician because there is no clear right or wrong with abortion, and it is strongly divided with very little middle ground. I myself would lean towards pro-life; accept in cases of rape or violence. I believe the bigger issue in these cases is sex education, and understanding the consequences of having sex. I think it has gotten too out of hand where abortions are so easily accessible now that it has become far more accepted in term of its morality. I believe sex is a life creating process, and to allow abortion to individuals who have consensual sex really goes against that belief. To me, it is used as a selfish excuse for a woman to not face reality. Although I wouldn't go as far as to call it murder, I just believe it is one or the most tragic things that can happen. I also have noticed in advertising and movies as well, that the female is always portrayed as some kind of innocent victim in the case. Like I said, if rape or violence is the case, I believe the woman can make the choice. But in every other circumstance, I cannot bring myself to see the women or even girl to be the victim.

Tammy Duckworth also supports any income tax increases on any tax bracket in order to balance the budget, according to votesmart.org. I would have to disagree with Tammy on this issue as well. I don't believe a tax increase will help balance the budget in any way, unless it is a major tax increase on the top 5% of people in the bracket. I believe that our country needs to break everything back down to the basics and return to a more productive and centered way of life, as opposed to the consumer dominated society we live in today.

According to votesmart.org, Tammy Duckworth refused to tell citizens where she stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

Finally, Tammy Duckworth raised $5,309,495 for her campaign effort in 2012 and spent $5,208,691. The top contributors for Tammy's current fundraising include Lawyers/Law Firms with a $48,221 contribution and Health Professionals with a $42,500 contribution. I believe Tammy's high profile military story is the main factor in her political success as well as her fundraising abilities.