from Congressman Eric Swalwell
Ellen,
In 2001, I was broke and stuck between a vice of increasing college tuition and few ideas of what I wanted to do when I graduated. Then, Mayor O’Malley visited my government class. He spoke about our civic duty to help others, unify communities and offer solutions for the common good. I was hooked. I watched him lead not just with words but by deeds, and I committed myself to following his example of service to others.
Now, at 34, I have the honor and responsibility of being a voice for 80 million millennials as a Representative in the United States Congress. And this weekend, I am proud to be back in the Hawkeye state to endorse my friend and mentor, Martin O’Malley for President.
The greatest challenges facing our generation are the increasing barriers to opportunity: harder and costlier paths to higher education, and fewer good-paying jobs once you graduate. Our generation needs a leader like Martin in the White House.
I know he is the leader our generation needs, because I have personally needed him before. And he did not let me down.
In 2003, I was a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park when Republican Bob Ehrlich was sworn in as Governor -- and when he immediately took an ax to public education, cutting funding to state universities and raising tuition for students.
Under those conditions, I could barely finish college and go on to law school. I still remember the countless notices from the bursar's office: "This is your last warning, if you do not pay your tuition, you will be dropped from classes."
I and thousands of college students facing similar pressure needed someone who would relieve that burden. Fortunately, Mayor O’Malley became Governor O’Malley and restored funding to the state's university system and reduced the cost of tuition for students.
Martin has put forward a bold and visionary plan to address the rising cost of education, assist the millions held back by debt, and secure a debt-free education for students.
That’s why I’m standing up for him, the way he stood up for me when I needed him most.
In 2012, I ran for Congress to bring new energy and ideas to Washington, D.C and fight for millennial issues. But my efforts alone cannot pave the pathways to opportunity millennials need.
Our generation needs Martin O'Malley in the White House. I wholeheartedly endorse him to be our next President, and I hope you'll join me.
Thank you,
Congressman Eric Swalwell