Growing Democrats group throwing a convention
Hearkening to the days of straw hats and cigars, energized Democrats in the 10th Congressional District will showcase their organization Sunday in what is being billed as an old-fashioned convention.
Balloons and confetti will fill the air beginning at 2 p.m. at the Deerfield Hyatt, 1750 Lake-Cook Road, while a master of ceremonies makes the introductions and keep the crowd loose.
Rules of the day prohibit smoke-filled chambers. But there is bound to be a cornucopia of juicy snippets to be found as pols work the room and candidates deliver their pitches.
Folk singer/songwriter Kristen Lems will provide entertainment, and familiar speakers, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, will stump for the party during the inaugural event.
And for the Democratic faithful, $20 buys a wrapped, candy-filled mug. On the mug surface is a picture of the U.S., with individual states colored red and blue.
"When you pour something hot into it, it all turns blue," said Lauren Beth Gash, a founder of the Tenth Congressional District Democrats, known as the Tenth Dems.
"This is an educational event, but it's also a fun event," she said. The public is welcome.
Jay Footlik and Dan Seals, primary election opponents for the congressional seat held by Mark Kirk, will speak, as will candidates in other races. A straw poll also will be conducted.
The gathering is for local Democrats and "interested Independents," but the organization, which has steadily raised its profile as an organizing force the past few years, hopes to snare new members.
"We have about 1,500 people (who) now volunteer. When we started the group four years ago, we had four -- in my living room," said Gash.
Since she narrowly lost to Kirk in 2000, Gash has worked to unify and coordinate Democrats in the 10th District, which stretches from Waukegan south to Wilmette and west through parts of Arlington Heights and Palatine. It includes all or part of Waukegan, Warren, Shields, Moraine, West Deerfield, Vernon, Libertyville, New Trier, Northfield, Wheeling, Elk Grove and Palatine townships.
Leaders in those townships are expected to deliver spirited introductions during a roll call, reminiscent of the whistle-stops of old to add to the convention atmosphere.
Two years ago, Tenth Dems held a series of events to introduce candidates to voters. The convention is a logical progression of the group's activities, according to Gash, rather than a "thank you" to supporters.
Volunteers who may be manning phones or knocking on doors will get the opportunity to feel more personally connected to the process.
"I think there's something very special about this year for Democrats -- a lot of involvement," Gash said.
For information, visit info@tenthdems.org or call (847) 266-8683.