July 25, 2007 - Democratic Cook County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado officially announced Wednesday he will run for a congressional seat in 2008.

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Maldonado, first elected to the Cook County Board in 1994, will challenge U.S. Rep. Luiz Gutierrez, a Democrat elected to a seventh term in Congress in 2006.

Maldonado, the first Puerto Rican in the nation to serve as a county commissioner, according to his website, said in a release announcing his candidacy:

"During my twelve years as a Cook County Commissioner of the 8th District (which includes nearly half of the 4th Congressional District), I have championed legislation that brought homeowners tax relief, won workers a living wage and passed numerous initiatives, including a mail-order prescription drug program, that have opened the public health system for uninsured and underinsured families and seniors.

"I have successfully secured passage of several measures supporting immigration reform, and, recently, I claimed victory in declaring Cook County a 'Fair and Equal County for Immigrants.'

"I will bring this same passion and conviction to Congress. I will work hard to bring fundamental change to outdated, broken laws and policies to meet our 21st century needs."

The Democratic primary will be conducted Feb. 3, 2008.

Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2006

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