As we head into the midterm elections, only 13% of Americans say they are “satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S.,” the second-lowest percentage in the 43 years that Gallup has been asking this question. President Joe Biden’s job approval rating continues to decline and has fallen under 40%, according to FiveThirtyEight, while the Democratic Party’s approval stands only slightly higher at 43%, YouGov notes. But the only alternative on most Americans’ ballots this fall will be a standard-bearer of the Republican Party, which has an even more dismal approval rating under 41%.
This is what prompted me to consider a run for Congress as an independent in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District after serving 16 years in the House as a Democrat. More than 35 unpaid volunteers joined the “Draft Dan” campaign and worked hundreds of hours collecting signatures from Villa Park to Tinley Park. On Saturday, they delivered enough signatures to qualify me for the ballot. I am humbled by, and very thankful for, the tremendous support. However, after careful consideration I have decided to forgo a run this year. Instead, I will focus my attention on helping build the emerging “Independents Movement.” I already have had discussions with U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger about teaming up in this effort.
Americans are crying out for an alternative to the two-party duopoly that controls politics and government. In 2020, voters gave the Democratic Party control of Congress and the White House. Now, a year and a half later, these same voters look ready to toss them out. But the only place they have to turn is to the party they put in charge in 2016 and soured on just as quickly.
