By Donna Edwards

For me, the end of the year is both a time of personal reflection and forward thinking – It’s also a time for gratitude. This year, I am especially grateful for my health, safety and financial security and that of my family. It is in that context that I write to you now because I know that by explaining both the highs and lows of my past and present you will have a better understanding of how my experiences have shaped the campaign I am running and the Representative I will be.

So many families in our Congressional District are facing foreclosure and indeed have lost their homes. I know that life can throw you a curve ball when something completely unexpected happens to jeopardize your financial security. I’m reminded of a time in my life – not so long ago – that I, too, faced tremendous financial strain and almost lost my home in foreclosure – owing taxes and behind on my mortgage payments. I was frightened for myself and my son, and I did not want to be a burden on my other family members. Fortunately, I did not lose my home and though it’s been a long road, I’ve recovered. When I’m in Congress, I’m going to work for public policy that helps families keep their homes and stems the growing tide of foreclosures and financial vulnerability.

As I’ve visited with families in communities throughout the 4th Congressional District, I’ve spoken with many who are struggling to pay rising co-payments and health premiums, burdened with expensive prescriptions, and who do not have any health insurance. I understand because I’ve lived this. Like many of the families I’ve visited, I worked every day, but did not have health insurance. I fell ill and ended up with thousands of dollars in health care expenses that sent me into a financial tailspin. Today, I am grateful to have health insurance and receive quality health care. In Congress, I will work to make sure that no one – not our children, not our seniors, not our workers – goes without quality, affordable health care.

When I was told that my son might not succeed in school and in college because of a learning disability, I fought to find teachers and tutors who would help him succeed. I’m grateful because the financial sacrifice was worth seeing him today as a successful sophomore in college. And, next month, I will make my final payment on nearly $100,000 in student loans from undergraduate to graduate school. I’m proud to be at this stage after so many years and a lot of ups and downs. It’s hard to believe now that I was once at rock bottom struggling to pay off these loans – believing that I might never be able to pay them. As a member of Congress, I will work to make college more affordable and accessible no matter your economic status. I don’t think my son or your children should be at the mercy of a college loan industry that is more concerned with turning a profit than it is about making college affordable.

My experiences as a mom, a student, a worker, and a public interest fighter remind me everyday that many in our communities are living on the edge and things are not always as they appear. I understand what it’s like to be a mom on her own, a head of household, trying to care for my son – emotionally and financially. I understand what it’s like to juggle child care, health care, student loans, utilities, rent and mortgage – living from one paycheck to the next and hoping (and praying) that the car holds up and to have enough to fill up the tank to get to work. Too often, those who seek public office put on a façade of perfection – well, I’m not perfect. I have worked hard, I’ve struggled, and I’ve survived. I’m running for Congress because I want to make a difference in the lives of people who, like me, have struggled and are struggling to take care of themselves and their families.

I believe that when it comes to making sure your children receive a quality education, ensuring that you and your and family have access to quality and affordable healthcare, and making certain that you can provide a home for your family — these things are worth fighting for. In my personal life, I have fought for myself and my family. Professionally, I have fought for the public interest – to end domestic violence, for low-cost prescription drugs, for living wages, to preserve and protect our environment. As your Representative, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Congress again focuses on improving the lives of working families and not propping up corporate special interests. I promise to fight as vehemently for families in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District as I have for me and my family.

I hope you join me in making 2008 a year of change and real leadership for our Congressional District and our country. I want your vote on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, because I will work hard for you and your family – to get health care for all of us, quality education for our children, alternative energy to protect our environment and to make energy affordable, and to end the war in Iraq so that we can restore our credibility in the world and re-order our domestic priorities.

I wish you and your family a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year!

P.S. If you have a story to share send it to me at Donna@DonnaEdwardsforCongress.com. Together we can make a difference in the lives of working people. Remember to vote on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.