Today's decision by Judge Walker finding Prop 8 unconstitutional is a big step forward in the march towards marriage equality. We have a lot to celebrate as progressives and more importantly, as Americans.

But we know that this decision doesn't mean the fight for equality is over.

"We are going to do what it takes to make this right."

Who said that?

If you guessed the CEO of BP, you're half right. That's what the CEO of energy company Enbridge Inc. said about over 800,000 gallons of oil spilled into Michigan's waters this week.

As a candidate for Senate, I think it's important to be blunt. Some candidates like to hide behind poll-tested phrases. Others jump on board a cause only when it's safe to do so.

I have a different philosophy.

I had an amazing time at Netroots Nation this year hearing your thoughts about the race and discussing how we can organize for victory in November. Alexi led the Illinois caucus and we discussed the issues facing Illinois families and how we can get our country back on track. While we were at Netroots Nation, Republican Mark Kirk was having a bad weekend.

Today is the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Alexi released the following statement:

Twenty years ago today, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act served to tear down a wall of discrimination that had kept millions of Americans from enjoying full participation in all aspects of public life – and we are better for it. This landmark bill ushered in a new generation of civil rights, and we owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Senator Tom Harkin, our neighbor and my friend, whose singular commitment to this issue made its passage possible.

Yesterday, we had a great discussion here on my government reform plan. It's a plan the media and others have dubbed "dead on arrival" because apparently some people think I'm asking for too much, too fast.

But I'm just asking for some common sense. And that's what I'll fight for in the Senate.

Yesterday, I announced my plan for how I think government should work.

I think corporations have way too much influence in our political process, lobbyists have way too much access, and politicians have way too many perks.

No sooner did I announce my plan than the press declared it "dead on arrival":
 

Every year, we elect more of the same typical politicians who think Congress is their personal playground. They give out favors to their corporate contributors and vote to give themselves pay raises while refusing to raise the minimum wage.

Alexi is running for Senate because he believes in something different.

Alexi believes that corporations have way too much influence in our political process. That's why he doesn't take a dime of their money and why he won't vote their way.

President Barack Obama will be in town on August 5th to help us continue to build the resources we need to win in November.  Democrats across the country recognize how important this race is.  After all, Congressman Kirk has a $4 million dollar campaign war chest built with millions from Wall Street, the insurance industry, oil companies and federal lobbyists, while Alexi refuses to take corporate special interest cash.

Huffington Post reports on this brand new site: "Election season is heating up, and every campaign is looking for a way to get out its message and define its opponent. 
In Illinois, Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias is going after Republican Mark Kirk in the form of a question, announcing the launch on Friday of the new site WhoIsMarkKirk.com."