In Washington, I'll always support military families and help veterans make the transition home, not just as your congressman but as a proud Army mom.

As a judge, when I saw veterans in legal trouble, I created the state's first veterans court to help them get treatment and get back on their feet.

Families in Illinois don't want lies and political mudslinging.

I truly feel that being a woman, and particularly a mother, has had a large impact on my campaign.

I thoroughly enjoy my children's birthdays, despite the fact their parties are an apocalyptic mix of hall-booking, Nerf-gun-hiring, refreshment-organising and talking to parents whose names you've forgotten.

We should be the natural home for young mothers. But we're not. Because too often we sound like people who think the only good mother is a married mother.

I come from a family of artists.

My family has been in politics a long time in Los Angeles. We very much believe we are elected to represent the people. I mean, I am to give voice to, you know, the over half a million people I represent in my congressional district. I mean, that's the way it works.