CHICAGO--In anticipation of next week's special primary election, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced today that it has begun a new, aggressive television ad campaign to elect State Representative Sara Feigenholtz to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel, now Chief of Staff to President Obama. In her 14 years of service in the state General Assembly, Feigenholtz has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for women, children, and working families.

Sara Feigenholtz is both a product and a champion of the American Dream that's becoming harder and harder to find in our country today," remarked SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger. "She learned from her mother--a first generation immigrant who became a doctor to serve communities in need at a time when few medical facilities even accepted women physicians on their staff--that health care is a right, not a privilege. And she has fought--and will continue the fight in Washington--to guarantee that right to all."

During her tenure in the General Assembly, Feigenholtz overcame political obstacles and cynicism to pass the FamilyCare and All Kids bills, which together provide affordable healthcare to working parents and their children across Illinois.

The ad, entitled "Basic Right," highlights Feigenholtz's stellar record on healthcare and other issues of top concern to the state's working families. It first aired yesterday in the 5th Congressional District, which encompasses the North and Northwest Sides of Chicago as well as several near northwest suburbs.

"Sara Feigenholtz will help President Barack Obama get this nation's economy going again and that means creating jobs," said SEIU Illinois Council President Thomas Balanoff. "Her get-things-done reputation means working families will have the right person, at the right time, fighting for their needs in Washington. She knows this recovery must begin in our neighborhoods," he added.

"Basic Right," produced by The New Media Firm, can be viewed here.

The transcript follows:

VO: Illinois is struggling--lost jobs, retirement at risk--and quality health care is out of reach for more and more families.

That's why we need Sara Feigenholtz in Congress.

As a State Representative, Sara Feigenholtz fought for long term care funding so seniors can stay in their homes. And she worked with then State Senator Barack Obama to increase healthcare coverage for working families.

Sara Feigenholtz--in Congress she'll fight for jobs and health care for Illinois families.

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