Schilling Kicks Off??Re-Election Campaign

-U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-Ill.) told a crowd of more than 250 supporters on Saturday that he had two words for his opponent:

"Game on!"

Schilling spoke to the crowd about his efforts in Washington so far, and what his priorities are going forward.

"I'm proud of what we've accomplished in such a short time," Schilling said. "We've fought to bring jobs here to the Illinois 17th District through strengthening our arsenals, expanding our manufacturing base, and working to create an environment to promote long-term, private sector job growth. We've begun the long process of reducing our deficit by cutting wasteful spending and bringing a business mentality to Washington.

"And most importantly, we've led by example," Schilling continued. "We returned a surplus of $110,000 from my congressional budget to the taxpayers, voted to cut congressional budgets more than ten percent, fought to reduce congressional salaries another ten percent, and introduced several pieces of legislation to incentivize government savings, reform congressional pensions, improve veterans' health care, and stop the partisan gridlock in Washington. The job isn't finished, folks. We still have a lot of work to do. But I'm excited about what we've accomplished for the people of this area, and we're going to keep working around the clock going forward."

Schilling said that the American people are being tested, but he believes we will ultimately overcome each and every challenge we're facing.

"I still believe this nation's best days lie ahead of it," Schilling said. "The greatest generation was called upon to rise up and meet the challenges of their day. We're in the same boat, and we're going to do it. We're going to succeed. And I truly believe that one day, our kids and our grandkids will look back at what we did, what we accomplished in the face of adversity, and consider us one of the greatest generations. It's not going to be easy, but that's what's so great about this country -- Americans always succeed when our backs are against the wall."

Bobby Schilling, a native of Rock Island, Ill., graduated from Alleman High School and attended Black Hawk College. Schilling, a local business owner, was elected to his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. Schilling rejected the congressional pension, turned down the congressional health care plan, and pledged to oppose all congressional pay increases. Schilling, who represents the Illinois 17th District, lives in Colona, Ill. with his wife and ten children.

For more information about Bobby Schilling, visit his campaign website at http://www.reelectbobby.com