In This Issue
Schakowsky speaks out against a privatized army
Abbey Romanek could use your help
Seals campaign one of three targeted by DCCC
Health care rally downtown today!
Loop gathering for Jennifer Bishop Jenkins
 

 

 Looking to a Blue 10th in November
Bill Brandt
 


NTDO NEWS 
February 24, 2010

As usual, there are plenty of opportunities for you to participate in this democracy that is ours. Speaking out, signing up, providing financial support, counting ballots, the choices are all yours.
Congresswoman Schakowsky urges action to stop the privatization of
our Armed Forces
 
This week, New Trier's 9th District  U.S. Representative, Jan Schakowsky, sent this message to her constituents. If you agree with her that a growing mercenary army is dangerous for America, click on the link provided below:
"
It seems that every week, we're hearing about another outrageous example of Private Military Contractors, especially Blackwater, (or Xe, as they now call themselves). Last week we were shocked to hear about allegations of how Blackwater billed the government for prostitution. Two weeks ago The Nation highlighted the heartbreaking story of Blackwater's youngest victim, a 9 year old who was shot by Blackwater guards. He was one of 17 victims that day in Nisour square.
As of mid-2009, the United States employed over 22,000 hired guns in Iraq and Afghanistan. And that number keeps going up. Our reliance on private, for-profit companies for the business of waging war is extremely dangerous. It's time we move to eliminate the use of these unaccountable and controversial mercenaries, and I ask you to join me as a citizen co-sponsor of legislation that I have just reintroduced, the Stop Outsourcing Our Security Act.
The Stop Outsourcing Security Act, which will be introduced in the Senate by Vermont's Bernie Sanders, recognizes that the U.S. needs to end its reliance on private security contractors, and it would prohibit the use of private contractors for military, security, law enforcement, intelligence, and armed rescue functions. It would also increase transparency over any remaining contracts by increasing reporting requirements and Congressional oversight.
I'm launching an online campaign to gather citizen-co-sponsors for this legislation that has just been introduced on Capitol Hill. I need your help to restore those functions traditionally performed by the military, back to the military where they belong.  Join me in sending a messagethat the we need to stop the privatization of our Armed forces."
Judicial candidate Abbey Romanek
could use your help for a recount.
When the final primary election votes were tallied, just 48 votes separated New Trier Dems member Abbey Romanek from her opponent. The two judicial candidates received a total of 22,350 votes with less than two-tenths of a percentage point separating them. A shift of 25 votes could mean a victory for Abbey. A recount will be held in March and volunteers are being sought to help in that process. To find out how you can
help contact Abbey asap.
    
DCCC targets Dan Seals congressional campaign as
one the three top U.S. contests
Last Friday at a fundraiser rally for 10th Congressional District candidate Dan Seals, the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee stated that the race between Seals and Republican candidate Robert Dold, is one of the three races for Congress that the DCCC has targeted.
Speaking to a crowd of over 70 Seals supporters, DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen, Democratic Congressman from Delaware, was enthusiastic about the upcoming campaign. He said DCCC field people have begun close coordination with Dan Seals and his campaign staff. 
Candidate Seals vowed to run a strong campaign against his Republican opponent. One key to victory will be good campaign funding. It is very important for the Seals campaign to show the DCCC that they have plenty of local support by reporting impressive donations by the March 31 reporting deadline. To show your support click here.

If you're downtown right now,
or can get there by 6:00 --
You can make a statement for health care reform today.
This is a late notice, but if anyone reading this feels strongly about substantive health care reform and is working downtown (or can get downtown this afternoon) here is an action you might feel good about taking. It's sponsored by HCAN (Health Care for America Now) a major campaign of Citizen Action/ Illinois

What:
A Pre-Summit Health Care Rally:
Start Time:
Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00pm
End Time:
Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00pm
Where:
Chicago Temple,1st floor Sanctuary, Chicago

 
Several member of Congress plan to be there so the bigger the crowd the better.
Attorneys for
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins will
hold Loop fundraiser March 4


You're invited to a fundraiser for
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins

Democratic Candidate for the 14th District
Cook County Board of Commissioners
Please Join
 Richard A. Devine,
Former Cook County States Attorney

Larry Suffredin,
Cook County Commissioner

Toni Preckwinkle
Cook County Board President Candidate

Host: John Corbett, Corbett and Ashe
MARCH 4, 2010       
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

20 N. Clark, Suite 3100 Chicago, IL 60602

Tickets $100    Sponsor $250    Host $500


R.S.V.P. 847-446-7073 or
Jennifer4CookCty@aol.com
www.JenniferBishopJenkins.com

Attorneys for Jennifer Bishop Jenkins
HOST COMMITTEE
in formation:

Jeanne Bishop, Cook County Public Defender; Scott Britton, Brenner, Ford, Monroe, and Scott; Larry Krulewich, Law Office of Lawrence T. Krulewich; Norm Olson, Olson, Grabel and Hoffman;
Jim Franczek, Franczek Radelet; Jeanne Wrenn, Assistant States Attorney, Cook County; Robert Gervitz, Gervitz, Born, and Kissel; Hon. Lauren Beth Gash, Democratic Committeewoman
.
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,
Dean T. Maragos, 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