Alexi Giannoulias | Democrat for U.S. Senate

Chicago, IL - Joined by employees from the Des Plaines Hartmarx suit factory where he helped save 600 jobs, U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias tonight pledged to fight every day to create new, good-paying jobs for the people of Illinois. Giannoulias contrasted his leadership to save Illinois jobs with his opponent Republican Congressman and Washington-insider Mark Kirk who voted for the failed Bush economic policies that led to a tragic recession.

After six straight months of job losses [Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12/08-5/08], Mark Kirk told Roll Call newspaper in an interview that, "I know that others think this is a big issue, but I've heard very little," he said. [Roll Call, 6/16/08]

In remarks prepared for delivery, Giannoulias said tonight: "The voters of Illinois are sending a message and I hear them loud and clear. In the midst of this dreadful economic crisis, they want a Senator who will fight to limit the power of Washington special interests and protect the jobs of everyday Illinois families. Congressman Mark Kirk said he doesn't think unemployment is a big issue, but I've got news for him:  Unemployment is a big issue in Illinois, Congressman. It's obvious Congressman, that you've spent too many years in Washington, voting with the special interests to ship our jobs overseas, to know that. And come November, Congressman, your days as a 'Washington insider' are over."

Featured in a new video (http://www.alexiforillinois.com/media/video) released tonight, Sam Shalaby, who has worked at Hartmarx for 32 years, lives in Congressman Mark Kirk's district, challenged Kirk's claim that unemployment isn't a big issue.
 
"Mark Kirk is my Congressman, I live in his district.  It's a big issue to all of us," said Shalaby.
 
Giannoulias concluded in his remarks, "From day one, our campaign's been about helping people, we fought hard, defied the Washington insiders - talking about real solutions to create jobs, how to crack down on wasteful spending and end special interests that have controlled the debate in Washington long enough."