Democratic Congressional candidate Bill Shein issued the following statement this morning in advance of a Springfield No One Leaves foreclosure-auction protest:

"The failure of Congress to stop the bailed-out, bigger-than-ever Wall Street banks from throwing people out of their homes is unconscionable. That's why I'm standing here today at this foreclosure auction protest, in solidarity with the passionate and empowered organizers and members of Springfield No One Leaves. We're all fighting to preserve our neighborhoods and communities, to put people ahead of big-bank profits.

"Today I stand today with the very same people with whom I’ll stand as a Member of Congress. I stand with those who don’t have wealth, lobbyists, or political action committees. I stand with those fighting every day for justice and economic fairness. I stand with those organizing and creating local power in their communities. And it’s their voices, and their priorities, that I will bring to Washington, D.C. next January.

“I support efforts to force bailed-out banks and the taxpayer-owned Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to write down principal and re-negotiate interest rates on underwater mortgages so families can stay in their homes. Often, those facing foreclosure can afford a mortgage at the fair-market value of their home, and can also afford to pay rent to stay in their home until an agreement is reached. But the banks foreclose and evict anyway, leaving the home vacant and then selling the property at a price the foreclosed-on family could easily afford. That is wrong."