Kane Democrats cheered by voter interest, turnout
February 26, 2008
(Aurora Beacon News) - A new day is on the horizon, Kane County Democrats believe.
Around 300 Democrats joined the party's leaders at the annual Harry S. Truman dinner over the weekend at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Banquet Hall in Aurora.
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Sen. Dick Durbin
"We remember the generation of change under the leadership of John Kennedy, when finally America began visualizing a country moving forward together," U.S. Sen, Dick Durbin told the crowd.
Durbin was among the state's top Democrats addressing an audience who applauded the prospects of a change in leadership in Washington both in the presidency and in the 14th Congressional District.
Durbin, a Barack Obama supporter, had only to make references to President Bush's leadership in foreign policy and the economy to draw more applause from party loyalists.
" ... 2.2 million people entered into foreclosures, and we're one of the hardest hit states. One-third of the homes in America will go down in value because of these foreclosures -- that's the economy of George W. Bush," Durbin said.
Durbin recalled a time when Kane County's Democrat Party could gather in the back yard of a supporter. "There was a time when we could gather all the Democrats in a back yard and had plenty of room to spare," he said. "Times have changed."
Durbin said the fact they were packing a banquet hall on a Sunday afternoon was a sign of a new day for Kane County and the state.
The senator predicted the first signs of change would be seen in the March 8 special election in the 14th Congressional District. Democratic candidate Bill Foster will face Republican Jim Oberweis to determine who will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of longtime Republican Rep. Dennis Hastert.
Because the special election falls on a Saturday, Durbin said, it will require a motivated electorate to get out and vote.
Durbin noted Foster has a background as a businessman with a manufacturing company based in the U.S. and as a Fermilab scientist.
"My friends, we can win this -- we have the candidate, cause and opportunity," he said.
The party's leaders said the dynamics for change were evident with the "stellar" turnout in the Feb. 5 primary election in Kane County.
"We pulled 41,000 primary ballots -- it is a record for us," Kane party Chairman Mark Guethle said.
"It is clear by the victories we are building strength in Kane County."
Along with Durbin, Illinois State Treasurer Dan Hynes, State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia of Aurora, Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez, state Sen. Linda Holmes of Aurora and state Sen. Michael Noland of Elgin attended the dinner.
The proceeds from the annual fundraiser support the campaigns of local candidates.