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From: WQAD News Moline, IL - John David reports Lane Evans ready for try at twelfth congressional term By John David Rep. Lane Evans knows what it's like to win elections. The Rock Island Democrat is seeking his twelfth term in Congress. "Tonight is a night I'll never forget," he said after winning on November 7, 2000. "It will give me strength to pursue our visions, dreams and realities." Four years later, Evans also knows what it's like to battle Parkinson's disease. But he says that it doesn't stop him from doing the job in Washington. "I could not walk away from this race," he said. "I want it to be not only about me, but what we're doing about Parkinson's." Evans says that the focus should be on those in the district who don't have health insurance -- not his health. The current race between Evans and Republican Andrea Zinga also references the past. In February 2004, Republicans allege that Evans "stole" the 1998 election by using what they call an illegal victory fund. "It's a step backwards for people who believe in civil rights and civil liberties," Evans commented. In the following months, Evans focuses on issues crucial to the district. There's an effort to pump up the local economy at the Rock Island Arsenal in the aftermath of tough times for other local firms. "We've worked very hard to stop NAFTA and the so-called free trade positions because we're losing thousands of jobs," he said. And while opposed to the invasion of American troops into Iraq, he says that those soldiers deserve better protection while serving their country. "They deserve the highest technical weapons, yet people are spending their Christmas money to buy them flack jackets," he said. First elected to Congress in 1982, Evans remains fascinated with service in the political arena and is ready for more. "I enjoy the job," he said. "I enjoy the people immensely, and over these 22 years I've come to know them pretty well." And they know him pretty well, too. http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=2506338&nav=1sW7ScoP ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn