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JUST IN:
Wheeling Endorses Seals
Hoffman
Preckwinkle |
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Wheeling Township Democratic Organization Endorses Candidates for the 2010 Primary Election
The members of the Wheeling Township Democratic Organization endorsed David Hoffman for the United States Senate (52%), Dan Seals in the Tenth Congressional District (92%), Terry Link for Lieutenant Governor (88%) and Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President (78%). Other races were polled but candidates did not earn enough votes to constitute a majority.
This is the first time the Wheeling Township Democratic Organization has endorsed candidates in a primary election. | |
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| NTDO NEWS
December 17, 2009
Dems Make Illinois History on Campaign Finance Reform |
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On December 9, Governor Quinn introduced into law the first campaign finance limits in Illinois history.
Progressives in Illinois have been working toward this reform for over three decades. SB 1466 was the final law passed as part of a bundle of reforms led by Democrats this year.
"I am committed to making real reform a top priority through the rest of my administration," Governor Quinn said. "But look where we are today compared with one year ago."
In 2009 Quinn and fellow Democrats passed laws that reform procurement, increase transparency, strengthen disclosure, require audits, enhance access to the Freedom of Information Act, impose pension ethics, impose stricter lobbyist disclosure, regulate appointment of boards and commissions, and much more.
Examples of the new contribution limits are below. See www.changeil.org and www.illinois.gov for details on the great strides made in toward a reformed Illinois by Democrats in 2009.
CONTRIBUTIONS BY INDIVIDUALS BEFORE: NO LIMITS
NOW: $5,000 to any candidate each election
CONTRIBUTIONS BY BUSINESSES, UNIONS and
ASSOCIATIONS
BEFORE: NO LIMITS
NOW: $10,000 to any candidate each election
CONTRIBUTIONS BY LEGISLATIVE LEADERS
BEFORE: NO LIMITS
NOW: Primary election limits of $200,000 to statewide candidate; $125,000 to any Illinois Senate candidate; $75,000 to any Illinois House candidate. Limits include the value of in-kind contributions like staff, office space, mailings and advertising. |
From the Candidates to You
NTDO endorsed candidates will bring you up to date on their campaigns in this space in the weeks leading up to the primary on Feb 2. You can learn more about them right now on their websites.
Pat Quinn: Governor
David Hoffman: U. S. Senator
Patrick Keenan-Devlin:18th Leg District
Bill Brandt: State Central Committeeman |
Democratic candidates running unopposed in the primary who are endorsed by the NTDO are:
· Janice D. Schakowsky, 9th U.S. Congressional District
· Lisa Madigan, State of Illinois, Attorney General
· Jesse White, State of Illinois Secretary of State
· Daniel K. Biss, 17th State Representative District
· Karen May, 58th State Representative District
· David D. Orr, Cook County Clerk
· Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer
· Jennifer Bishop Jenkins, County Brd Comm 14th District
· Dean Maragos, New Trier Township Committeeman
· Lauren Beth Gash, State Central Committeewoman |
Candidates Canvass
Out of NTDO Office |
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Two NTDO endorsed campaigns will be making regular use of the NTDO office -- Dan Seals for Congress and Patrick Keenan-Devlin for the 18th District Rep.
Patrick will be at the NTDO office on Saturday, December 19 in the morning and will be knocking on doors in New Trier. Please join his team on Saturday at 10:00 and knock on doors or call voters with Patrick. RSVP to Kevin Brown at 773-710-2279 or at kevinmitbrown@sbcglobal.net.
The Dan Seals high school team will be canvassing New Trier Township out of the office on December 21 at 1:00. Come join the team, everyone is welcome. RSVP at 847-945-8900.
The NTDO office is at 800 Oak Street in Winnetka, Suite 112. Walk down the sidewalk on the east side of the building, down the hall and to your right. You'll find us there. |
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Do Caps on Leadership Contributions in Primary Campaigns Matter? |
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A common criticism of the new Illinois campaign finance law is that it sets limits only on what the the legislative leaders can give in the primary elections and not in the general election. It must be noted however, that every legislative leader will support his party's candidate in the general, it is in the primary that decides who that candidate will be. In fact, in over half of Illinois House and Senate elections in 2008 the primary was the whole race; there was no opponent in the general election. Here is what CHANGE ILLINOIS, a powerful force in Illinois campaign finance reform, has to say on this question:
WHY LIMITS IN A PRIMARY ARE VALUABLE
Setting limits on the contributions of party leaders in primary elections helps to level the playing field for challengers. Contribution limits encourage more people to challenge the incumbent or party-backed candidate.
2008 primary -
- Only 8 of 80 potential primaries in the Senate (40D and 40R), were contested.
- Only 23 of 236 potential primaries in the House were contested.
- In contrast, 15 of the 38 potential congressional primaries in Illinois were contested. Federal campaign finance law governs in these elections..
In many districts, the primary is the REAL election as there is no opponent in the general election.
2008 General --
- 21 of 40 Senate districts had NO opponent.
- 66 of 118 House districts had NO opponent.
We have had 30 plus years of absolutely no limits with big money from political and private sources and it has produced a very uncompetitive system. So by limiting the big money we hope to lessen the advantage that those with access to big money have over those who do not have access to big money. |
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Campaign with the Candidates |
 Tonight, Thursday December 17, you are invited to a reception in support of Dan Seals. The event will be from 7:00 to 8:30 at a private residence in Highland Park.
Meet Dan and hear his positions on the most compelling issues facing the 10th District. Please be our guest, but contributions are welcome.
For details and to RSVP call 847-945-8900 or e-mail tmayfield@dansealsforcongress.com Don't forget the December 21 canvass out of the NTDO Office at 1:00.
Patrick Keenan-Devlin
Two Coffees in Wilmette for Patrick
Tuesday, Jan. 5: at 7pm
At the home of Tom Nathan, 817 Central Ave.
Saturday, Jan. 9: at 10am
At the home of Jolynn & James Houlihan, 2009 Greenwood Ave.
Phone Banks
Join Patrick, campaign staff, and other volunteers at headquarters to call 18th district voters at our regular phone banks at our Evanston office, 1630 Orrington and at the NTDO Office at 800 Oak in Winnetka. Bring your cell phone and your laptop if you have one.
Call Kevin Brown, 773-710-2279, for complete information on the phone banks and how to get involved in Patrick's campaign, or e-mail at kevinmitbrown@sbcglobal.net .
David Hoffman
Two Phone Banks
and many other ways to help the campaign.
 Today, Thursday December 17 at 6:30 PM
Come to Hel's Kitchen Catering on Thursday, December 17 from 6:30-9 p.m. and contact Democratic voters. The front door will be open. 3027 Commercial Avenue, Northbrook.
Saturday, December 19 at 11:00 AM
Join us Saturday for a Canvass/Phone bank at the Northfield Township Democrats office in Glenview from 11:00-4:00 p.m.
Our field coordinators Bob Boros and Kevin Roos will provide you with everything you need to get started. Refreshments served.
1926 Waukegan Rd. #310, Glenview
Please RSVP for all events at Karen@hoffmanforillinois.com or (312) 784-0921.
Please call Karen if you would like to help in any of the following ways:
- Finance Interns: Conduct online research for our great finance team.
- Voter Outreach: Invite voters in McHenry County to a free campaign event.
- Video Recruitment: Help us reach out to current supporters to expand our personal video project.
- General Office Help: Must have a great attitude.
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Tenth Dems looking for Election Law Committee volunteers |
The Tenth Dems are looking to add a few more volunteers to their Election Law team. If you are a lawyer/paralegal/law student interested in getting more politically involved, or if you have friends, kids, parents in the legal profession, feel free to let the Tenth Dems know.
A significant time commitment is not necessary. Election law (ballot challenges, election signage laws, voter protection, etc.), the Federal Election Commission and the Illinois State Board of Elections are intriguing areas of involvement. To learn more, email: volunteers@tenthdems.org or call (847)266-VOTE (8683).
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NTDO Seeks New Administrative Assistant |
Our extremely knowledgeable and much loved administrative assistant is retiring after seven years of service to NTDO. We are looking for someone who is familiar with our organization and who can keep it running smoothly. The position involves keeping volunteers, committees and projects organized and on schedule and staffing our office each week day morning from 9:00 am to noon. This is a paid position and will start in January.
If you are interested or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail the name and phone number of the applicant to newtrierdems@sbcglobal.net . | |
About Us:
The New Trier Democratic Organization is made up of hundreds of grassroots volunteers dedicated to advancing progressive ideals through the political process. We welcome your participation.
Sincerely,
Bill Crowley, Committeeman New Trier Township
We are located at 800 Oak Street in Winnetka, IL. Ph: 847-446-8030
Office hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. -- 9am-Noon
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