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Our efforts in Illinois Congressional District 19

Written by: pamella gronemeyer on Nov 14, 2006 8:15 PM EST

Linked to groups: Downstate Democrats for Change

Our group the Downstate Democrats for Change worked very hard for Dan Stover who ran against John Shimkus. We came up with flyers exposing Shimkus'; record and contrasting it with Dan's agenda. We had them printed in union shops and had signs reminding people that a vote for Shimkus was a vote for Bush. We leafletted a large part of Madison County trying to get help from students, unions, etc. We marched in parades and sent letters to the editors of the major newspapers which were published. Unfortunately, the mainstream Democrats were not appearing in the election except to worry about the judge races. We did get Senator Durbin to come to see us the last week before election. Senator Obama came to stump for an appellate judge in Shimkus' hometown and while Dan was given lipservice, he was only asked to speak by Congressman Costello as everyone left. The judges's bouncer wouldn't even let me bring Dan's newspapers or handouts into the Obama event. We are however here to stay even if the county Democrats would prefer to fashion us into a fundraising baking club. We are committed to adding life and a breath of fresh air to our stale party here. We are committed grassrooters and think that the Democratic Party in Illinois should take some hints from Missouri's party which has been reborn. I get their e-mails since I went to a McCaskill event and the party there is very inclusive. We could have done more if I could have afforded a direct mail campaign. Blood, sweat and tears need a little cash along the way. We are going to start in December planning for the future. We are will use the DFA training videos and other political literature as it appears to keep us current. We want to expand our numbers. We can all sleep well at night because even if we lost, we fought a noble battle.

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By David Kiley on Nov 15, 2006 12:44 AM EST

Danny Stover's campaign for Rep. in IL-19 was my first experience in politics. I was a volunteer with Downstate Democrats for Change. It was a rewarding experience despite Danny's loss to "Dimpkus". I am excited about the successes of many national Democrat campaigns, but at the same time I am frustrated and disgusted with the Democratic Party in Southern Illinois.

Howard Dean's "50 state strategy" needs to change to a '"3,141 county strategy" Every county in every state.must ensure that the Democratic county leaders make every national and state candidate as big a a priority as their local candidates. Very few county Democrat organizations actually campaigned for Stover. Some totally ignored him. I spent 2 weeks trying to make contact with one county leader who ignored all of my messages. Many allowed Danny to share stage space with local county candidates, but that was all the help that he got. My belief is that many in the Southern Illinois Democratic Party may have actually wanted Shimkus to win.

I also believe that Rep. Jerry Costello (IL-12) wanted Shimkus to win. Costello ran unopposed yet sat on a huge campaign warchest. District 19 & 12 share many cities and counties, yet Costello never appeared with or campaigned for Stover until 2 days before the election ... and it was only a brief statement. Costello should have been working hard for Stover in all of their shared counties at the very least.

Senator Obama and Senator Durbin both made several public appearances in District 19 over the last 6 months, but neither ever bothered to contact , invite or include Stover. Danny did get to meet with Durbin twice in private situations and they were seated at the recent JFK dinner head table along with a dozen or more Madison County officials. Danny was present when Obama briefly mentioned Stover at a campaign event in Madison County for a judicial candidate 2 days before the election. Obama and Durbin should have arranged press and photo ops arrangements with Stover everytime that they were in the District.

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By Sandra Verthein on Nov 16, 2006 8:27 AM EST

David,

It is my understanding that Dean's 50 state strategy is actually the 49 state strategy because Dem leaders in Illinois told the DNC that we didn't want any organizers. So don't fee like your experience reflects what Dean would have wanted to have happen here. I hope that at some point the DNC can start to organize here, but until that happens, the grassroots will need to step up to the plate and make our own every-county strategy.

But I wonder how long the IL Dem party can keep the DNC out? I can't see how this situation can continue much longer, so perhaps we will see a change in that situation. I truly hope so!

Sandra