If we can rebuild Iraq, we can rebuild Illinois and Indiana and if we can do Baghdad, we can do Baltimore.

The failure in Ohio to have adequate voting capacity for the people who were registered and eligible to vote was an absolute denial of their right to vote.

I was very productive as a senator for my state.

Illinois has less than a 12 percent black population and I won with 55 percent of the vote.

Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.

I am determined to try to rebuild and renew this country in ways that will build community and level the playing field. To me, that means making certain that the fight to preserve our civil liberties is waged, making certain the fight against discrimination is waged, making certain that women have opportunity in this country.

If I lose, I'm going to retire from politics, practice law, and wear bright leather pants.