Schlittner, Hare's communications director, sounded like he was hosting a call-in radio show from Washington. Actually, it was a telephonic town hall meeting joined by 3,500 people from all over the 17th Congressional District.

During his hourlong conference call, the Rock Island Democrat spoke about some of his favorite issues - the war in Iraq, trade deals, infrastructure improvements and veterans affairs - then took callers' questions.

It was a technological first for Hare.

"His district is so large, he never has the opportunity to talk to all of his constituents at once," Schlittner said. "This new technology is a unique chance to reach out to everyone at once."

Hare was able to randomly dial 40,000 residents Monday evening, 3,500 of whom decided to listen in.

A woman who identified herself only as Connie from Sterling said: "Thank you for your concern for the veterans. If it weren't for them, this wouldn't be the land of the free and the home of the brave. Is there any chance there would be a VA clinic in Whiteside County?"

"I think we will see something," Hare said. "From what I've been told, the prospects look very good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If we could get a clinic up there, it will serve thousands of veterans, not just from Sterling-Rock Falls, but from the surrounding area. I'm cautiously optimistic."

Hare also spoke about why he voted against the $162 billion in additional Iraq war funding.

"There were no stipulations on when the Iraqis would stand up, so we could stand down," Hare said. "I would like to see our troops come home in an orderly fashion. [The war] is bankrupting this nation. I think it's time we invested here in America."

Darlene from Galesburg asked about job outsourcing.

"They're making cheaper products and products that come back here and are pulled from the shelf because something is wrong with them," Darlene said, adding that U.S. workers would make higher quality, safer products.

"We have to work on our broken trade policies," Hare said. "I want it to support both sides. I'm tired of seeing good-paying jobs leave this nation. I think we ought to have fair trade. I look forward to voting for a trade deal that will help people in Galesburg and also help the people of, let's say, Panama or some other country we seek to trade with. But it all comes back to issue of fairness and standing up for the American worker."

Hare said he hopes to hold another telephonic town hall on July 14.

"I think this is a great way for people to call in and ask questions," he said. "I think there were some very good ideas posed tonight."