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Duckworth: "We Need More Women To Run"

CHICAGO (CBS) -- With the election right around the corner, U.S. Senate hopeful Tammy Duckworth said she's proud of how many women are on the ballot, and said she hopes even more women run for elected office at all levels in the future.

Duckworth and fellow U.S. Rep. Danny Davis joined several other elected officials at MacArthur's Restaurant on the West Side for lunch. Duckworth said having so many women on the ticket this election sends an empowering message to the U.S. and the rest of the world.

"People are looking to America and seeing 'Wow, women are finally going to help lead this country;' and we need more women to run, because we bring a different perspective, and the more diverse we have – not just in terms of gender, but also racial background, religion, identity – that will make us more cohesive as a nation, and a stronger nation," she said.

Davis said every woman on the ballot – from local offices in Cook County to the presidency – is uniquely qualified, and outshines their opponents.

In each of the top three races on the ballot in Illinois – the races for President, U.S. Senate, and Illinois comptroller – the Democratic nominee is a woman; and in the case of the comptroller's race, both candidates are women.

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