LOWELL -- On Thursday, Sept. 6, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas released the following statement:

"I want to thank the voters of the Third Congressional District for nominating me to be your Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress. Serving as your representative has truly been an honor and I intend to spend the next two months working to earn your vote in the General Election.

"I have spent the last year visiting with voters in the cities and towns I have come to know so well, and in the 11 new communities that have been added to the new Third Congressional District. I have been listening to your stories, and there has been a central message throughout the stories I've heard.

"We need to strengthen our economy so that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity to seek a good paying job. And, we need to level the playing field so that the most fortunate among us are not getting the biggest tax breaks. Fairness demands that those who are able should contribute to our shared economic recovery and to bringing down our debt and deficit.

"In a district that has a proud tradition of military service, we have a responsibility to serve those who are so honorably serving and sacrificing for us. I will continue working to ensure we're protecting our troops in the field and our veterans back home. Those who serve our country have earned our support.

"And, we owe it to our seniors to provide income security and health care so that those who have worked hard

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their whole life are able to receive the benefits they've earned and can retire with dignity. I will vote against every effort to change Medicare as we know it and will vote against any effort to privatize Social Security.

"As the only woman in the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, and helping to make up the mere 17% of seats in Congress that are held by women, I take very seriously Republican efforts to rollback reproductive rights and preventative health care services for women.

"I will not stand for it. I will not compromise the rights of women. I will not support the dismantling of our safety net. I will not balance the budget on the backs of our servicemen and women. I will not let a reckless Wall Street ship Main Street jobs overseas. And, I will not stand by as discrimination and intolerance chip away at the hard won rights of our neighbors and our friends.

"Over the course of my life, I have made a commitment to the civic life of this district as a mother, a social worker, a community college dean, a lawyer, a volunteer, and a board member of some of our great public institutions. And, over the past five years, I have been been honored build on this commitment by having the remarkable privilege of serving in Congress. I am proud of what I've been able to accomplish with your support.

"I hope that I will once again earn your confidence and your vote on November 6."