Questions about Tammy Duckworth's post-Veteran Affairs political plans are about to be answered.
Duckworth will file paperwork this week with the Federal Election Commission to run for Congress in Illinois' 8th District, said strategist Pete Giangreco. The anticipated move follows her resignation last month as VA assistant secretary.
"There are plenty of folks in Washington who serve political ideology and personal ambition," Duckworth said in a statement. "I want to continue serving our country.”
She isn't the only Democrat eyeing the 8th District.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, an advisor for Barack Obama's 2004 U.S. Senate campaign and 2008 Presidential bid, announced his interest in the district and has begun fundraising.
"We need common sense, practical problem solving in Washington D.C. -- not mindless, hyper-partisan politics based on rigid ideologies," Krishnamoorthi said on his campaign site.
Duckworth lost to Rep. Peter Roskam in 2006 in a close race for the House in the 6th Congressional District. But her recent experience in administrative roles could put her ahead.
Giangreco points out that redistricting may also be on her side. About half of the new 8th District includes part of the 6th District where Duckworth won more votes than Roskam.
