Sara Dady

LOVES PARK – Senator Dick Durbin endorsed Sara Dady, Democratic Candidate for Illinois 16th Congressional District, on Sept. 11 at a joint press conference hosted by a small local business.

Durbin and Dady met at the invitation of Jesús Gonzalez, owner of Manny Auto Repair in Loves Park, who told how he and his wife built a one-man shop into a seven-bay auto service.

“It’s small businesses like the Gonzalez family’s that create two out of every three new jobs,” Dady said after touring the facility. “Our city, our state and our country’s prosperity depend on supporting small businesses and working families.”

In recognition of the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, Durbin and Dady spoke specifically to the families of active and retired military and law enforcement who were present at the event. “Today is a day to remember the loss of so many Americans, our first responders and our enlisted men and women. We are a strong country and our strength comes from inclusion, not exclusion,” Dady said.

Dady focused many of her remarks on policies to grow a strong middle class, such as popular Democratic plans including Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage, and strengthening workers’ right to unionize. She also spoke about comprehensive immigration reform, including smarter border regulation.

Sen. Durbin turned his focus to this November’s election in his endorsement of Dady. “This election is a referendum on the President of the United States. We need to make sure people like Sara are in the U.S. House of Representatives - to keep an eye on the policies of this President that do not help working families, do not protect the environment, and do not guarantee our most basic rights in the country,” he said. “I want to make sure Sara Dady is by my side in Washington as the next elected member of congress.”