Former Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth is filing to run for the Democratic nomination for the 8th Congressional District seat in Illinois. Duckworth, of Hoffman Estates, stepped down from the VA office last month.

Duckworth sent the following message to supporters earlier today:

Dear Friend:

I wanted you to be among the first to know that I plan to run for Congress in Illinois' new 8th Congressional District. I came to this decision because I believe there is no higher calling than to serve our community and our country.

As most of you know, I proudly served our country in Iraq. When a rocket propelled grenade hit the Black Hawk helicopter I was co-piloting, my buddies risked their lives to carry me out, not knowing if I was dead or alive. Because of them I am here today.

Two and a half years ago, President Obama appointed me Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. While at VA, I traveled across Illinois and the nation. And I saw that it was not just our nation's Veterans who were having a tough time in this economy. As millions struggle to find a decent job or pay the mortgage, many wonder if the American dream is still within reach - for themselves and for their children.

The choices we make in the next few years will help answer that question.

So what are the Republicans in Washington doing to help?

Ending Medicare as we know it, making seniors pay $6,300 more for health care so the wealthy and the oil companies can get huge tax breaks. Playing a game of chicken with our nation's credit, imperiling our fragile economy to save corporate tax giveaways. And slashing our commitment to education, research and development that are the cornerstones of growth and prosperity.

It's time to tell John Boehner, Karl Rove and the tea party crowd that you can't balance the budget on the backs of seniors. You can't serve multi-national corporations first and American families last. And you won't build a better future for America by tearing down our economy brick by brick and shipping it overseas.

I am running to help President Obama chart a better course for America.

My father served in Vietnam, my brother served in the Coast Guard, and my husband is returning to active duty because our family believes in this great nation. There are plenty of folks in Washington who serve political ideology and personal ambition. I want to continue serving our country.

With your help, we can keep building a nation where every family has a shot at the American dream, and every child has a place in America's future.

Thanks so much for all your help and friendship.

Tammy Duckworth