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Will This New Illinois Democrat Break the Chicago Political Machine?

Jan. 31, 2013 10:39am
Congressional Thought Leader: Tammy Duckworth

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) attends a celebration for leading women in Washington hosted by GOOGLE, ELLE, and The Center for American Progress on January 20, 2013 in Washington, United States. Credit: Getty Images for ELLE

January marks a new year, and the induction of the new 213th Congress. Some of its members are career politicians hardened by years of campaigning and politicking, some are bright-eyed freshmen yet unjaded by an unforgiving Washington machine, and at least one is an Iraq War veteran, who despite losing both lower limbs during a tour of duty, has remained dedicated to public service. 

You might be surprised to learn that newly elected U.S. Representative Tammy Duckworth, the Democrat who replaced tea party favorite Joe Walsh in Chicago’s 8th congressional district, actually credits Republican stalwart Bob Dole as a source of inspiration. In the midst of the Chicago political machine, will this Iraq War veteran be the one who actually upends politics as usual in America’s increasingly polarized climate?

Despite their initial disappointment, Chicago Republicans may find themselves pleasantly surprised by Duckworth’s patriotic bent and an ancestry that includes a long line of American heroes dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Congressional Thought Leader: Tammy Duckworth

So who is Tammy Duckworth?

The first-ever Asian-American woman elected to to Congress in Illinois was born in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1968, to Frank Duckworth, an American World War II veteran and long-standing NRA member, and Lamai, a Thai national of Chinese descent. 

Due to her father’s work with the United Nations and multinational corporations, Duckworth spent her youth moving across Southeast Asia. Ultimately, she became fluent in Thai and Indonesian as well as English and by the early 1980s, she and her family settled in Hawaii. 

Despite her new environs, Tammy is said to have excelled in academic studies, skipping the ninth grade and graduating with honors from McKinley High School in 1985. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Hawaii, a Masters in international affairs from George Washington University, and was in the midst of completing her Ph.D. in political science at Northern Illinois University when the call of duty arrived.

In terms of her family’s political leanings, Duckworth told ChicagoMag that she actually had a conservative upbringing.

“My dad [whose military service spanned World War II to Vietnam] was from Virginia—lifetime member of the NRA, a marksman,” she said in the interview.

“My brother is also a lifetime member of the NRA [signed up by their father when he was a child]. My dad loved Ronald Reagan. My brother  lives in Nevada. He is a Harley Davidson motorcycle mechanic. He’s a Coast Guard vet; did eight years as a navigator on C-130s rescuing fishing boats and iceberg patrol.”

While Duckworth herself is not an NRA member, she noted that she “grew up shooting guns.” Not surprising given her family’s military background.

A long line of military service 

While her achievements in higher education could have taken her down any number of paths, Duckworth felt compelled to carry her forebears’ legacy of service and joined the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps while still a graduate student and would later serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserve. This, of course, may have come natural to Duckworth, whose paternal lineage comprises veterans from the Revolutionary War, World War II, Vietnam and those in between. 

While the desire to serve her country seems a given, an ambitious Duckworth wouldn’t settle for just any position in the armed forces, rather she wanted the opportunity to contribute in equal measure with her male counterparts. Of course, combat roles for women in the military are few and far between, but that did not stop the resourceful grad-student from gaining entry into the world she desired. Capitalizing on her seemingly innate ability to excel academically, Duckworth attended flight school and became a helicopter pilot. Later she would become the first female platoon leader of her unit. 

Leadership seemed to come naturally to Duckworth and indeed she proved capable of holding her own with her male compatriots, but that is not to say she didn’t endure her share of criticism. And preparing a batch of hot cocoa for her team prior to a helicopter training exercise one blustery winter day even earned her the moniker “mommy platoon leader” — something Duckworth has winced at in past interviews. 

Despite being, at times, what she has described as “hyper-sensitive” over the perception that her gender might in some way limit her, Duckworth erased anyone’s doubt one fateful November day in 2004 when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter she was co-piloting was struck down by Iraqi insurgents. 

According to the account, Duckworth slipped into shock immediately following the traumatic wounds she had sustained — wounds that took both of her legs and severely damaged her right arm. The blood-loss at this initial stage often marks the difference between life and death, and it has been noted that a myriad soldiers have slipped quietly from life following a trauma of this magnitude.

Whether it was luck, a sheer resolve to live and to fight, or a combination of both, Duckworth held strong and lived through the series of operations required to save her arm and surgically remove what remained of her irreparably damaged lower limbs. She received a Purple Heart, an Air Medal and an Army Commendation Medal and was also promoted to major on Dec. 21 YEAR? at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Often, the physical pain of rehabilitation, coupled with psychological barriers resulting from grave injuries are too great to surmount. Still, none of Duckworth’s new physical limitations seemed enough to stop the headstrong veteran, who is now fitted with prosthetic limbs and learning to fly helicopters again.

Past interviews with Duckworth reveal a forward-thinker who has come to be known for her trademark optimism.

Today, the highly decorated veteran continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard along with her husband, Maj.Bryan W. Bowlsbey, who is also a fellow Iraq War veteran. In addition, she has promised to tackle issues important to her Illinois constituents head on.

Congress 

Prior to her role in congress, Duckworth took her wartime experience, along with her academic credentials, and was appointed Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, where she served from April 24, 2009 to June 30, 2011. She also served as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs from Nov. 21, 2006 to Feb. 8, 2009.

In terms of running for higher office, Duckworth credits two seemingly opposite figures with helping her realize her goals. The first one, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), may seem obvious for a Chicago Democrat, but the Illinois freshman credits the longtime senator with inviting wounded warriors to attend the State of the Union address in 2005 and in helping her fellow veterans at the VA hospital resolve difficult administrative hurdles. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Duckworth cites former Republican presidential candidate — and fellow veteran — Bob Dole as a source of inspiration. During her interview with ChicagoMag, Duckworth recalled meeting Dole at the VA hospital where she was, at the time, undergoing treatment for her injuries.

“I felt just so inspired by Senator Dole’s life, and he was sitting on a hospital bed next to everyone else going through therapy, and so I think for me that was the clincher,” she said.

“I saw in him a path…I’ve been asked to consider running for Congress and I’m talking to a gentleman that I admired so deeply who had lived his entire life of service. I talked to him a lot about the bills that he passed. He co-authored the Americans with Disability Act with Teddy Kennedy. We developed a little bit of a friendship.”

Duckworth went on to explain that when she sees Dole today, he jests that if he had known she was actually going to run for office, he’d have made sure she would have done it as a Republican.

Today, as a newly elected congresswoman, Duckworth plans to focus on issues she believes are directly impacting her constituents, including jobs, the economy, and the fate of Chicago’s manufacturing industry.

What also sets Duckworth apart is her expressed desire to work with leaders on both sides of the aisle. While she has lauded Democratic Senators Durbin, Duckworth has also praised Republican Senators Olympia Snowe, Johnny Isakson and Lisa Murkowski, the former of whom she has worked with on veterans’ issues. 

Given her conservative, military background, wartime accumen and dedication to service, Duckworth may help to assuage the effects of the notoriously divisive Chicago political machine and build bridges that have been missing for quite some time.

 

 

 

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (83)

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  • FANGS
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 12:08pm

    I truely Hope some democrats start waking up to what Socialism is. Especially the high school and colledge kids. When America opens up, it won’t stop until all traitors are gone. All of them, We will hunt and hunt tirelessly with God and 4 years of revenge for fuel. The Obama admin is in full tyranny. Americans all 80% will be forced to correct this path by force. The enemy of America is Democrats, communist media and unions. God Bless Tammy, I truely hope her Passion lies with Americans and freedom.

    Report this comment

    FANGS  
    • Keatonc333
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 8:45pm

      You don’t understand what socialism is. Because this is not socialism!

      Report this comment

      Keatonc333  
    • Keatonc333
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 8:59pm

      Look I hear this over and over again. about how Obama is a tyrant, which he is the farthest thing from. the guy can barely get a bill passed, Obamacare had to go to court! How tyrannical is that? and as for socialism. Every time Obama is called a socialist, it’s because of Obamacare, Yes Obamacare has some socialistic policies. I wish he could have pushed further and gone to a full single payer system. but he couldn’t so its semi socialism. That being said it is possible to subscribe to an idea without subscribing to that ideas entire ideology. Look, our founding fathers set up the military and the post office, Then later The police and fire departments were set up. All of which are socialist organizations. yet no one calls our founding fathers socialists! why? because they are not. they set up a few organizations that are socialist but work. That doesn’t mean that everything they do is based on socialism. and same with Obama. This baseless fear mongering and name calling is not working for you guys.

      Report this comment

      Keatonc333  
    • glassaudioguy
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 10:00pm

      Hey Troll333- “That guy” can’t get a bill passed, so he’s going the executive order route, so yes, he actually is a dictator. He’s just doing things in stages like any good progressive.

      Report this comment

      glassaudioguy  
  • Slipstick
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 12:04pm

    In a word: NO… Except for a famous Nazarene, one person makes no impact on today’s corrupt world. And Chicago is about as far down the toilet as one can get…

    Report this comment

    Slipstick  
    • Whatmeworry-never
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 12:41pm

      I understand your religious faith yet does not God/Jesus say we are responsible for the World? I do believe one person does make a difference. I hope she is able to keep her fire burning brightly and stay on the path of trueth and honor that most Democrats have long ago dumped in favor of selling out to the Progressive/Communist dream of them being in power when in reality they will be useless idiot whom the true Commies will dispose of in unmarked graves. Study Communism and you will see what is happening is all planned.

      Report this comment

      Whatmeworry-never  
    • sjpru
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 12:44pm

      EXACTLY…she is an elected democrat therefore she is a liberal and will vote like a liberal or be defeated by a liberal democrat next go-round.

      Report this comment

      sjpru  
  • woodyee
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:45am

    Well, you discussed her background – good.

    Now, let’s see what she DOES for or against our Country in Congress. Then we’ll talk.

    Report this comment

    woodyee  
  • Watchyer6
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:37am

    Tammy Duckworth “break” the Chicago Democrat political machine? That’s a joke, right?
    She is OWNED, lock, stock, and barrel, by the Chicago/Illinois Democratic political machine.
    Her guru and mentor is Dick Durbin. Tiffany Gabbay, please do your homework.

    Report this comment

    Watchyer6  
    • THX-1138
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 1:55pm

      Yeah, I never could understand how throwing a couple fresh apples into a barrel of rotting ones was supposed to make things better….

      Report this comment

      THX-1138  
    • ltcwilly
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 2:15pm

      Plus 1

      Report this comment

      ltcwilly  
  • bankerpapaw
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:30am

    Good for you, Tammy. However, I’m afraid if you mess with the “Shitcago” machine, they will grind you
    up and spit you out. Good luck anyway!!!

    Report this comment

    bankerpapaw  
  • tamcamry
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:27am

    Look, I hate to break this to whoever did this story, but she was hand picked by Rod Blagoivich for his administration when he was governor for his cabinet. She’s a liberal through and through. She’s on record supporting Obamacare, cap and trade, and the tax increase recently passed in IL.

    Report this comment

    tamcamry  
  • Bamagal0007
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:25am

    I just hope she does not think she can get away with whatever she wants just because she is legless!

    Oh wait, Obama gets away with everything because he is spineless…nevermind!

    Report this comment

    Bamagal0007  
    • USNVET66-70
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:54am

      You mean like you got away with this post because your BRAINLESS with no class?

      Report this comment

      USNVET66-70  
    • truthnstuff
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 12:34pm

      No, probably because he knew an idiot like you would come out of the woodwork and respond.

      Report this comment

      truthnstuff  
  • slr4528
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:24am

    Maybe she will be one of those who truly are looking for real solutions and will question those in her own party as well as the other party to reach an informed decision. If anyone deserves a chance she certainly does for the sacrifices she has made to defend this country.

    Report this comment

    slr4528  
    • mixplix
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:34am

      A very tough women and my hats off to her and her accomplishments, however, being a one man/women army won’t be the answer as many before her that went into politics with their head held high only to have it cut off by the fraternity of politics that adheres to the blue code.

      Report this comment

      mixplix  
  • MCON29
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:24am

    Being from Ilinois I can assure you that nothing will break the Chicago Machine. Us downstate folk get completely bamboozled by all the Chicago thugs we keep electing into office. On the bright side, she does have a good record of fighting for veterans, so at least there would have been a chance to get something positive from her if she were allowed to think for herself. Too bad Obama and his henchmen will never allow this and she will vote party lines on everything.

    Report this comment

    MCON29  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:29am

      Get out of Illinois. It’s been rated as one of the worst States in the Union. How you guys beat out Michigan I have no idea. (I believe the rating was based on financial health), but you also have fascists in charge.

      Report this comment

      Cavallo  
  • Cavallo
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:22am

    LOL, I guess she’s out of the closet. They referred to Olympia Snow as a Democratic Senator.

    “While she has lauded Democratic Senators Durbin and Olympia Snow, Duckworth has also praised Republican Senators… “

    Report this comment

    Cavallo  
  • steve61lindsey
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:19am

    The Democrat party is a coalition of special interest groups and degenerates. Anyone who can read the official Democrat party platform without vomiting is not a patriot.

    Report this comment

    steve61lindsey  
  • spirited
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:18am

    The “Chicago machine” is running the USA.

    > Break it; –seriously?

    Report this comment

    spirited  
  • seek.the.truth
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:18am

    Very interesting background. Unfortunately, even if she had the best of intentions, we all know Ms. Duckworth will be doing what she is told.

    Report this comment

    seek.the.truth  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:16am

    If she was raised so “conservative” why is she a democrat? She has a ‘D’ by her name which means she is a ‘dumbazz lib’.

    Report this comment

    thegreatcarnac  
    • theBru
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 3:53pm

      Maybe, just maybe, she is a DINO…we can always hope…there are McCains & Grahams, maybe we can get our Duck worths…where is George Wallace when you need him…

      Report this comment

      theBru  
  • Akridgerunner
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:12am

    Sounds like one hell of a woman to me but if she seriously threatens the Chicago Machine they will complete the job the Iraqis started and take her out.

    Report this comment

    Akridgerunner  
  • mrja
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:10am

    i do not think she has a leg up on the chicago political machine……… ok ok, that was bad ~(-:

    Report this comment

    mrja  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:10am

    .
    All I see is another Free Lunch Slave…………

    I challange you to do something to prove me wrong……………

    Report this comment

    SpankDaMonkey  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:07am

    I’ve heard her arguments and she doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

    Report this comment

    progressiveslayer  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:01am

    Oh please.

    (D)uckworth has a (D) next to her name, which means that she will (D)o as she is told, and she will help obama (D)estroy America.

    The (D) tells the story.

    Report this comment

    Tri-ox  
  • TotallyNotATroll
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 10:55am

    Will This New Illinois Democrat Break the Chicago Political Machine? – As with all shock jock style article titles, the answer is NO.

    Report this comment

    TotallyNotATroll  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 10:55am

    Yet she is a DEMOCRAT. That has a lazer like focus on Barry’s job creation effort, Barry’s outstanding handling of the economy, and “Code Word” Chicago’s manufacturing base. Seems that while she lost her legs she also had her brain removed. WTF

    Report this comment

    13th Imam  
  • FeralHuman
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 10:49am

    Nope, she is a Democrat, she will surprise us alright, not!
    No one with a brain can embrace killing a baby in the womb.

    Report this comment

    FeralHuman  
  • M13
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 10:48am

    Please, this woman is a Democrat from Chicago. She will support every effort to take guns from law abiding people. She will vote for Obamas policies every time.

    Report this comment

    M13  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:11am

      2-Democrats who bucked the “system”… JamesTrafficant: was being a U.S.A.-CITIZEN instead of a Democrat in the fedral-Sennate—He was put in DEMOCRAT-PRISON on faked charges to keep him out of the loop!! Ill.Mayor-”BLOGGO”: tried to keep taxes from skyrocketting…and got put in DEMOCRAT-PRISON ON TRUMPED-UP CHARGES!!

      Report this comment

      G-WHIZ  
  • Dagnabbit5
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 10:47am

    Well,here’s hoping that she’s not a normal corrupt Chicago politician. But on the bright side, if she does do good things, the Chicago thugs can’t break her legs.

    Report this comment

    Dagnabbit5  
  • ozchambers
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 10:46am

    History has proven that people don’t break the Chicago political machine. The Chicago political machine breaks people.

    Report this comment

    ozchambers  
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