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February 8, 2009

The Honorable Governor Patrick Quinn Addresses the Largest Gathering of Democrats in DuPage County.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

The Democratic Party of DuPage County Held their largest gathering in DuPage this Sunday.
by Ed Vincent

The room was filled with well wishers, speakers, dancers, a
man who looked a lot like FDR, and even some real live politicians.

Oak Park's Senator Don Harmon was in attendance, as was a host of other Statewide officials, State Comptroller Dan Hynes;
Attorney General Lisa Madigan; State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias; Secretary of State Jessie White; and the new
Governor Patrick Quinn.

This was said to be the largest gathering of DuPage Democrats in recent history and the folks were all proud to be moving forward from some of the embarrassment they had felt in the recent past with removal of the past Governor Rod Blagojevich.

The Drurylane Oakbrook ballroom was filled with attendees,
a nice meal, some entertainment, and lots of applause for each person coming and leaving the podium.

Senator Don Harmon sits at the VIP table with DuPage leaders.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Secretary of State Jessie White Addresses
the gathering and makes it clear that he will
come to any meeting that they hold in DuPage.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

State Street Dance Studio, from Elgin, Illinois entertains the attendees before dinner. StateStreetDanceStudio.com
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias was one of the most photographed State officials, perhaps having more photos of him taken with attendees than anyone else.

Some folks thought he might be making an early run for the next election for Illinois governor, as the last Treasurer, Judy Baar Topinka had.

Governor Patrick Quinn

Governor Patrick Quinn promised a new direction for Illinois and thanked all of the DuPage County Democrats for such a wonderful evening. He noted the IBEW local union workers,
the brick layers, plumbers, sheet metal workers, and the Teacher's union for their support and attendance. He noted:
"Early to bed, early to rise and work like hell to organize"

The union members applauded loudly, along with the rest of
the room. A progressive Democrat with a populist flair, the
new Governor with have his hands full as he looks at his
wish list of items and the large $9,000,000,000.00 state
deficit.

Dick Kay, the well known local television news commentator
and political director for NBC, who retired a year ago and
worked with Governor Blagojevich on some of his health
initiatives, is now back on the air with political views and
years of experience. I spoke with Dick about the removal
of Rod Blagojevich and he said that his contract with the
Governor had terminated before everything hit the fan and
he only had worked with health issues and happily nothing
else.....

Dick Kay can be heard on WCPT 820-AM and three FM stations, 92.5 FM West, 99.9FM South, and 92.7FM North.
He is on the air from 1-4pm.

Some Additional remarks from the State Officers:

Governor Patrick Quinn had praise for Tammy Duckworth
and the 1.2 million veterans that she will be helping to serve
in Washington D.C.. Governor Quinn also said that service
to others is the will of the people.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan kiddingly warned the local democrats about driving at the proper speed in their cars since
they were still in Republican neighborhoods...all in jest.

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias noted and thanked all the hard work to keep Illinois blue in the National picture. He
added that even with all of the recent embarrassing moments
in Illinois politics the State still had a new President, in a
great person from Illinois -- President Obama.

State Comptroller Dan Hynes thanked all his supporters for their hard work which helped get him elected and many other Illinois democrats and the new Democrats in offices in DuPage.

Press Release

An Historic Event

The 2009 Presidents' Day Gala promises to be the largest gathering of its kind for Democrats in the traditionally Republican enclave of DuPage. Democratic leaders from across the state are coming together to both celebrate and discuss how they can help consolidate and grow the increasingly active Democratic base in DuPage.

Scheduled speakers and other confirmed attendees include Governor Pat Quinn, State Senate President John Cullerton, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, and State Comptroller Dan Hynes along with other state officials. Guests will also include members of the Illinois congressional delegation and prominent Democratic supporters from throughout the Chicago area. Noted political commentator Dick Kay will provide the Keynote Address for the evening.

Please join us as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln and the historic election of President Barack Obama at the opening event for the 2010 campaign Sunday, February 8.

About The Democratic Party of DuPage County

The Democratic Party of DuPage County is dedicated to working to provide the benefits of good governance to the nearly one-million people of the county. We believe that all citizens have an equal voice that cannot be denied, an equal right for each person to be heard, and an equal responsibility to participate in improving the life of our communities and the work of our common democracy.

Democratic Party of DuPage County

1000-7 Rohlwing Road, Lombard IL 60148
ph: 630-629-1125 · fax: 630-629-1150

www.dupagedemocrats.com