Mary Jo Kilroy won the election for Ohio’ 15^th Congressional District by 2,311 votes, more than the 0.5 percent margin that would trigger a recount. An election challenged resulted in delays and Mary Jo Kilroy was certified as the winner on December 7, 2008 as the first Democrat to represent any part of Franklin County since 1982. 

EW: It’s a pretty big stretch to go from County Commissioner to Congresswoman.  What has the transition been like?  How steep is the learning curve?  What is the biggest difference for you from local government?

MJK: Serving the people of central Ohio has been a real thrill. Every single day I feel that we are making progress on extremely important issues, especially facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. I was elected to be part of a new class of leaders ready to change Washington and change the politics that got us into such a mess. I’m so proud that we have already made an impact and delivered change. In the first few weeks, we have passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act that ensures pay equity for woman and I fulfilled a campaign promise to give millions of more children health care through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). My time working at the county level has also made me keenly aware of the urgency of this recovery and reinvestment package. We need to address the immediate needs of out-of-work families, as well as help our local governments invest in upgrading our schools, fixing our roads and keeping teachers in the classroom and police officers on the street.

EW: After a grueling election, and post-election legal battles, what was the hardest thing to go through in the campaign? Would you do anything different?  Did it make the victory sweeter?

MJK: This campaign was a credit to the people in my district. Campaigns should be about the voters and their needs and the voters gave me the honor of going to Washington to fix what eight years of failed policies left us. When I campaigned in Franklin County, Union County and Madison County I listened to the challenges families were facing and it made me carry on through the long and extended campaign. But I also looked forward for the day I would be sworn-in and begin the work I was elected to do. Now I am doing that work and continuing to look forward not back.

EW: Your race was over a $5 million race counting the outside group expenditures, what was the key to your fundraising success?  Did you receive help from the DCCC?  What advice on fundraising would you give for women?

MJK: Our campaign was a grassroots effort of my neighbors, my family, my friends and the voters of central Ohio. Fundraising is a necessary part of the political process and extremely important so that we can ensure voters know that I understand their priorities. We were also very fortunate that our district was nationally targeted as an important race to win. I encourage all women running for office to gather the people and professionals that can develop a fundraising program that is right for you and the race you are running. Once you have a plan stick to it and put in the work you need to do to accomplish your goals.

EW: Being a new Representative, you will be a target in the next election in 2010.  What do you hope to accomplish in your first term and when will you have to begin raising money for your next campaign?

MJK: I am very proud that I represent Ohio’s 15^th District, but I also know my constituents expect me to deliver the change they voted for. I must do my job first and foremost so that Ohioans know my priority is getting the work done no matter who gets the credit or how many times we must cross the aisle to get results. If I am able to put politics aside and continue to improve our country I have faith in the people of my district to send me back to Washington in 2010. We will continue to raise the resources we need to be successful in our campaign in 2010 and I look forward to showcasing the record of results after two years in Congress.

For more information, visit: http://www.kilroyforcongress.com