Published: July 01, 2008 09:29 pm         

Ellsworth gets personal in talk with Exchange Club

TERRE HAUTE — In an intimate setting, U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth ditched his “stump speech” — his statement packed with political rhetoric.

He instead opted to speak in a more personal manner Tuesday to the Exchange Club in the Chestnut Room of the Holiday Inn. He likened Congress to the club, stating that their goals are reached in a similar fashion. Ellsworth also spoke about his road to Congress, the approval rating, gas and gave an assessment of illegal immigration.

Ellsworth told the crowd of 30 club members about his middle-class background, and how a position in Congress wasn’t always on his radar.

“Dad worked his tail off, 100-hour work weeks,” Ellsworth said. “Not a family of means, no one in my family ever said ‘you ought to be a politician’.”

Ellsworth said he had doubt when he decided to pursue a Congressional career.

“I worried about leaving the sheriff’s department after 25 years and running for Congress,” he said. “I wondered if I was up to the challenge, now after two years in it, it was a perfect Segway.”

Ellsworth spoke about Congress’ approval rating, which usually is low, but is near an all-time low. He said the spin artists have caused a gridlock in negotiation, resulting in an 18 percent approval rating.

Despite the dismal rating, congressmen put their names on the line, he said.

“We have to find people there that are willing to work together,” Ellsworth said. “I don’t care who that is. It can be, it can be my opponent.”

He then turned to the issues, with gas being the main one.

“I eat, drink and sleep gas prices,” Ellsworth said. “I don’t drink it, it’s too expensive.”

He then turned serious, saying that gas prices need to be dissected by every cent. He said he wants to know why the fluctuation in gas is present.

The conservative Democrat said he understands the desire of immigrants to come to the United States.

“I understand why people want to come here and realize that American dream,” Ellsworth said. “Let’s just find a way for people to do it legally.”

At the end of the personal address, Ellsworth said he’ll still be satisfied if he doesn’t gain a victory in the general election.

“If this thing don’t last until November or January, it has been what a run,” Ellsworth said. “What a great honor to serve.

“I walk away every night staggering, and look at the dome and just grin. Because I think, gosh I have the chance to work there and maybe make a change in this country.”

DeAntae Prince can be reached at (812)231-4214 or deantae.prince@tribstar.com.