The Candidate: Wanda Jean Rohl
The Race: Democratic Party Candidate for the 16th Congressional District
The Competition: Adam Kinzinger
The Buzz: Rohl worked as a radio disc jockey and restaurant manager before suffering an all-terrain vehicle accident that left her paralyzed from the rib cage down. Rohl, without a job or insurance, was forced to enroll in various government programs such as Medicaid, Social Security and Meals on Wheels to survive.
She is now a licensed social worker and a certified drug and alcohol counselor and currently works at a hospice that helps dying patients and their families.
Rohl has no former political experience but believes her life experiences will prove sufficient in qualifying her for a seat in Congress. She has no political agenda aside from looking to better the lives of citizens through improvements in healthcare and government services for the sick and needy.
Rohl believes unemployment, rising fuel costs, drought and the need for a new farm bill are top priorities in her district. In addition, she is critical of the current tax system and suggests the federal government gradually switch to a policy of purchasing solely American-made products.
