Admin Note (7/30): A memo obtained by the Chicago Tribune shows Seals with a 46-38 lead over Dold. [end note]

Yesterday the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee outlined the key battle grounds for the fall election.  The DCCC invested $49 million to reserve air time for 56 districts which will be crucial for the party in November.  The 10^th district is among them.

This national level recognition highlights the importance of sending Dan Seals to Washington next year. The Illinois 10^th district is one of just 6 Republican-held districts  that the DCCC is funding. Furthermore, according to Greg Sargent at the Washington Post, the 10th is  one of the most significant opportunities for Democrats to win a Republican seat.  As is the trend in mid-term elections,  the Democrats, being the party of the  President, are in danger of losing a significant share of seats in Congress. Winning back the 10th  is essential to ensuring the voices of average Americans are heard in Congress  next year.

The race for the 10^th has slowly been making national news—not just because of its statistical importance, but also because it symbolizes the decision voters must make: choosing the direction for America’s future.

Dan Seals shares the values of the families of the 10^th district, and will represent our community’s middle class interests. His extensive education, leadership and experience in economics and business make him the ideal choice at a time when Washington needs creative and comprehensive ideas for economic recovery. By detailing plans for small business and private sector growth, Seals will provide real solutions to the most dire local and national problems.

Yet  Seals is not only running for Congress to help get our economy back on its feet. He is  also running to build a brighter future for the next generation. He supports the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, as well as investment in clean energy and energy independence, recognizing both the dangers of global warming and the economic significance of the growing green technology market. As a former teacher, Seals is determined to improve our education system so that it serves all students and prepares Americans to become competitive workers.  Committed to our nation’s core values, Dan Seals has pledged to precting the freedoms and rights of all citizens.

The investment of the DCCC is further proof that the race for the 10^th district is a race for our country’s future.  Due to the influence of the Tea Party, Republican candidates are moving further and further right. Many are now channeling radical ideas that make most rational educated voters cringe.  The Democratic Party must fight to keep a majority in the House,  so that in the next two years Washington can develop policies to promote the interests of average Americans.

In November, the 10th district can chose to send to Washington a congressman who shares the values of our community, from civil rights, to education, and from women’s rights to the economy. We can chose Dan Seals represent our voices  in Congress, and fight for our future.  The spotlight is on the 10th, the vote is ours to cast.