Marie deYoung gained national prominence when, after serving as a subcontracting administrator for Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) in Iraq, she launched a one-woman campaign to draw attention to money being wasted in the war effort [Cover, "Ms. deYoung Goes to Washington," Brian Hickey, July 28, 2005]. Having made numerous trips to tell U.S. representatives and senators her story, deYoung is now trying to effect change from inside of government.

Last Thursday, she announced she'd challenge 27-year Republican incumbent Rep. Nicholas Micozzie for the district that encompasses Lansdowne, Clifton Heights, Aldan and parts of Ridley Township, Darby Township and Upper Darby.

City Paper: Anything new on the Halliburton front?

Marie deYoung: Three different filmmakers have approached me about making a film and I assisted with many news/documentary reports. I am going to help a documentarist with his film about contracting in Iraq, including Halliburton's role.

CP: Why did you decide to seek statewide public office after all your federal work?

MD: Yes, I advocate for government reform at the national and international levels, but we already had candidates who were positioned to win the 7th Congressional District and the Senate seats. I help shape the party platform by giving input to these candidates, the party and the general public. I knew that the Pennsylvania General Assembly was the best place for me to effect the right policies and the right budget priorities.

You know, when you come home to Pennsylvania, old habits return. As a woman, I did not see myself as a candidate, but as a campaign supporter. But the odds are in my favor because Nick has been in office more than 20 years, and he has a very weak legislative record. The state committee is backing my campaign. People kept telling me it was my time to run, because I have the vision, the organizational skills and a record of public service.

CP: What's your platform?

MD: I will bring integrity to the office and fight for good, honest government. Adequate public education funding must be our priority. I will champion research-based programs and dedicated state funding for schools. [We also need to] dedicate funding for public transportation, and revamp the tax code to distribute the tax burden more fairly, and to reduce property taxes where the school tax burden is too high.