Our efforts in Illinois Congressional District 19

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

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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