Schilling Calls Campaign "Fight for the Future of the Middle Class"

MOLINE, Ill.—Bobby Schilling, Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the Illinois 17th District, won his primary election tonight unopposed and is moving on to face incumbent Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) in the general election on November 4th.

Schilling released the following statement:

"A lot of people ask me why I got back into this—why would anyone want to put themselves and their family through the stress of the political process? Look, this isn't about me. It's much bigger than that. Washington politicians are waging a war on the middle class. They're waging a war on us. Now it's time for us to stand up and fight back.

"Remember the economic collapse of 2008? Some so-called 'experts' now say that we've fully recovered because the stock market is performing better than ever. Rich people might be doing okay, but what about the middle class? What about hard-working families? How are things better for everyday Americans?

"The reality is that we are struggling. Finding a job has never been harder. Those of us who are lucky enough to have jobs are still struggling to make ends meet. Family incomes have remained stagnant, while our cost of living continues to increase. Grocery store prices are rising. Gas prices are approaching four dollars a gallon. College tuition continues to be unaffordable for most families. We're saving less and less, and feeling more and more financial pain.

"And what are Washington career politicians like Cheri Bustos doing to address this? They're making it worse! Obamacare has absolutely devastated the middle class. Millions of Americans have lost their health insurance coverage, and millions more are facing skyrocketing insurance premiums and higher deductibles. Now we're learning that Obamacare will end Medicare as we know it and take away Medicare Advantage from more than seven million seniors. This is unacceptable.

"I still believe in the American dream. I still believe we can rebuild the middle class and pass down a better America to our children. That's what this campaign is about. We're going to Washington to create a better America—an America with a strong middle class, a vibrant economy, and a limited, efficient government that works for the people, not for insiders and special interests.

"This isn't just an election. This is a fight for the future of the middle class—a middle class that badly needs relief. They need someone who has their back in Washington. They need someone who will bring the voice of the people to Congress. I intend to be that voice come November 4th."

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 27 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.