by Paul Kelly
Tenth Dems Communications Director

Since 2004, Tenth Dems has been working to spark change through a grassroots effort. In that time, it has brought thousands of people into the political process by providing them the means to get involved—by holding rallies, getting news and information out to voters, or conducting Tenth Dems University classes.

And as has been the practice of the organization, Tenth Dems is not making an endorsement in the Democratic primary race for the 10th Congressional District in 2012.

“We take the position that we prefer a primary in this race,” said Lauren Beth Gash, Chair of Tenth Dems. “Primaries can serve to sharpen the campaign messages, develop effective organizations, and allow the candidates the opportunity to talk with voters. Each of the candidates who is vying for the nomination is terrific and would be an improvement over the incumbent.”

The concept of the direct primary—with ballots that are distributed and regulated by the states—is a progressive idea. Expanding democracy was part of the progressive push to achieve the goal of good government. Starting in the early to middle part of the 20th century, voters were given the opportunity to decide who to put on the general election ballot rather than have political operatives in “smoke-filled rooms” deciding the nominees. In fact, the term “smoke-filled room” came from the nomination of a Republican who is widely considered to be one of the worst presidents in history. While he was a bumbling and ineffective leader, members of his administration by and large gave away huge amounts of the country’s petroleum reserve to Big Oil, profiting themselves in the process. While you might have had another name in mind, that president was Warren G. Harding.

Of course, primaries result in tough, spirited debates. At the end of the day, at the end of the primary election, however, Democrats share the same values.

In the same way that spirited people staff campaigns, passionate volunteers are the lifeblood of Tenth Dems. For many years, for many campaigns, Tenth Dems volunteers have worked to staff speaker events, connect with constituents through our newsletter and other outreach channels, administer office support, mobilize neighborhood canvassing, register voters, and work get-out-the-vote phone banks.

Many of our volunteers are also active participants in the various campaigns for the candidates of their choosing. Tenth Dems is a volunteer-run, grassroots organization, and we need energetic people to fulfill our mission. It is important to note that since the beginning of the group, our volunteers have been able to serve in campaign roles while also working on activities that help all Democrats. And since the beginning, after the primary is over, participants from competing campaigns have come together to work on getting Democrats elected in the general election.

Coming together to help Democrats is our purpose. Our mission statement reads: “Tenth Dems is a grassroots organization that is dedicated to electing Democrats at all levels of government in the 10th Congressional District in the state of Illinois. That includes the local, state, and national levels of government.”

As a keynote speaker at our annual meeting in 2009, Gov. Howard Dean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said: “Tenth Dems is one of the most impressive grassroots groups I’ve seen anywhere in the country.”

Impartiality of Tenth Dems a Primary Concern is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

The Democratic candidates vying for the nomination in March have raised more than $420,000 in the 4th quarter combined. Rep. Dold raised only $356,831 in the 4th quarter for his re-election campaign.

Many freshmen Republicans who were supported by Tea Party donations in 2010 have found their 2011 fundraising takes increasingly diminished compared to Democratic challengers. This trend was noted by USA Today, which described the fundraising drop as “buyers’ remorse” in an article ‟GOP freshmen see fundraising dwindle,” (11-25-11).

Democrats around the United States have been energized to actively campaign and raise funds for many Democratic challengers. President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign has also been buoyed by strong record-setting fundraising.

For more information about the Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats, please visit http://www.tenthdems.org/.

The Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats is a volunteer group with members from all parts of the 10th Congressional District. The 10th District contains portions of both Cook and Lake Counties stretching from Winnetka through Waukegan and from Lake Michigan west through Round Lake. The District includes all or part of the following townships: Avon, Benton, Deerfield, Grant, Libertyville, Moraine, Shields, Waukegan, West Deerfield, Vernon, Zion and parts of Fremont, Lake Villa, Maine, New Trier, Newport, Northfield, Warren, and Wheeling.

Democratic Candidates Show Strong Fundraising Compared to Incumbent Dold is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

Free soft drinks compliments of Tenth Dems and all-you-can-eat pizza for $5.99 per person.

Click here to RSVP

Join Tenth for Obama as we watch live updates on the Florida primary results while eating delicious pizza and enjoying free soft drinks, on January 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Alek’s Restaurant, 525 Rockland Rd., Lake Bluff.

We will be watching as the primary results roll in and the numbers get picked apart. We will be discussing strategy for the upcoming general election. And we will be doing this while we pour free soft drinks. And, on Tuesdays, Alek’s has all-you-can-eat Al’s Signature Chi-Town Pizzas for purchase as well.

The lead direct-mail consultant to President Obama’s race to the White House in 2008, Giangreco has pioneered targeting and research techniques that have made his direct mail some of the most effective in the country. One of the “leading political mail experts in the country” according to the Chicago Tribune, Giangreco runs the only mail firm that President Obama’s 2008 Presidential campaign used in nine of its 16 targeted states. That appointment capped years of electing candidates at all levels of the ballot, including electing U.S. senators and three new Democratic governors.

What: Tenth for Obama Florida Primary Watch with Pete Giangreco
Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Alek’s Restaurant, 525 Rockland Rd., Lake Bluff

Contact: RSVP to Tenth Dems online, call us at 847-266-VOTE (8683) or send us an email. If you call or write, please include your contact information (name, address, phone,  email).

Pete (Giangreco), Pizza (Cheesy), and Primary (Florida) is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

Sheyman, the former national Mobilization Director at MoveOn.org and former community organizer with education advocacy group A+ Illinois, seeks to turn the 10th District Democratic for the first time in 32 years.

“After years of working alongside educators across the 10th district to improve the funding for our public schools here in Illinois, I am proud to have the Illinois Federation of Teachers’ endorsement as we charge forward to March 20,” said Sheyman. “I’m grateful to have the support of 103,000 educators behind our campaign to restore the American Dream.”

“We at the IFT have worked with Ilya Sheyman for years and have watched him build a proven track record of standing up and fighting for the progressive ideas that built the middle class in this country,” said IFT President Dan Montgomery. “Ilya is a strong ally for teachers and other educators, and we are fired up and ready to get out the vote for him.”  The IFT is affiliated with the 1.5 million-member American Federation of Teachers, the 10 million-member AFL-CIO, and the 1 million-member Illinois AFL-CIO.

In addition, Sheyman overwhelmingly won the endorsement of the New Trier Democratic Organization (NTDO), with 64 percent of the vote. NTDO is one of the largest and most active Democratic precinct organizations in the 10th District.

“I have found his organizing skills to be some of the best I’ve seen in my time in politics,” Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin said at the endorsement session. “He’s ready to step into Congress and be a progressive leader.”

Sheyman also received recent endorsements from AFSCME Council 31 and the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization.

Illinois Federation of Teachers Endorses Ilya Sheyman in 10th Congressional District Race is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

Tenth Dems and WCPT: Chicago's Progressive Tak Radio To Host Live Candidate Forum

The forum is slated for Saturday, February 25, 2012, starting at 1 p.m. at the Deerfield Hyatt, 1750 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL, 60015. The four invited candidates are Vivek Bavda, Brad Schneider, Ilya Sheyman, and John Tree. Advance registration is not required, but space is limited and if attendance exceeds the capacity of the room, priority will be given to those who register in advance. Admission is free and doors open at 12:30 p.m. The broadcast will begin promptly at 1 p.m. The forum will be broadcast live on WCPT-AM/FM radio stations: 820 AM, 92.5 FM, 92.7 FM and 99.9 FM.

The candidates will sit down with Kay for a lively conversation on the issues critical to this year’s primary. There will be no podiums or time limits, but there will be plenty of chances for the candidates to talk with, question, and respond to each other.

For the past four decades, Kay has been one of the leading voices in Chicago political journalism. In his long and distinguished broadcasting career, he has reported on virtually every significant local and national political event. He also hosted “City Desk,” WMAQ-TV’s respected political program. He currently hosts the weekly talk radio show “Back on the Beat” on WCPT-AM/FM Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., which will be the venue for this candidate forum.

It should be noted that while the League of Women Voters has a policy in its debates that no campaign banners, signs, literature handouts or other campaign paraphernalia are allowed in the debate hall, Tenth Dems welcomes them!

For more info, click here, call 847-266-VOTE (8683), or send us an email.

Tenth Dems and WCPT Radio To Host Live Candidate Forum is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

TDU 223: Lake County Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Round Lake
Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Location: Village School, 880 Nippersink Rd., Round Lake
Click here to RSVP

TDU 224: Lake County Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Waukegan
Date: Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Location: Tenth Dems Community Connection, 118 N. Genesee, Waukegan
Click here to RSVP

TDU 225: Cook County Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Northbrook
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Location: Northbrook Public Library, Pollak Room, 1201 Cedar Ln., Northbrook
Click here to RSVP

There are certain requirements. You must be 18 years old and registered to vote in the county where the training is being held. In other words, if you live in Cook County you can only attend the session in Northbrook, and if you live in Lake County you need to attend the ones in Round Lake or Waukegan. Once you are trained to register voters in the county where you live, you can register voters anywhere in Illinois. We must also submit your name in advance. If you are interested, please use the sign-up links above, contact us at volunteers@tenthdems.org, or call us at 847-266-VOTE (8683).

Voting is our most basic right, and helping others to exercise that right is an important contribution to our community. We hope you can help.

Become a deputy voter registrar in 45 minutes is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

Applications for the 2012 District 60 General Assembly Scholarship opens January 9, 2012 and will be accepted through June 15, 2012 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at my constituent service office, 120 S. Genesee Street in Waukegan.

Qualified students, who live in the 60th Legislative district, are encouraged to apply. The General Assembly Scholarship ensures that talented students attend our state universities; and hopefully, continue to reside in Illinois to improve our workforce and increase economic development. The caliber of students we see each year is amazing and I look forward to hearing from all the talented students that reside in my district.

Applicants who wish to apply for the scholarship must do so in person at the Representative Mayfield’s district office and must have a copy of the applicant’s high school diploma or equivalent, a written authorization from your parent or legal guardian (under the age of 18 year olds); Financial disclosure (parent or legal guardian 2010 tax form 1040); One page cover letter (essay style) part one demonstrating financial need and part two academic achievements.

The selected candidates will be notified shortly after a committee meets and awards the chosen candidates. For more information, please contact my district office at (847) 599-2800

Sincerely,

State Representative

Rita Mayfield

District 60 General Assembly Scholarship is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

Read the article here.

10th District Democratic Congressional Candidates Featured in Pioneer Press is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

Tenth Dems interns at work

Highland Park, IL. – The Tenth Congressional District Democrats (“Tenth Dems”) is accepting applications for its Spring Semester Internship Program. Internships are available to high school juniors and seniors, college students, and graduate or law students with a desire to help the Democratic Party.

The internship offers candidates the opportunity to develop transferable skills to whatever career path they may choose to follow. Several former interns have gone on to internships in Washington, D.C., to college majors in political science or law, or to paid political and nonprofit staff positions locally and nationally.

Internship coordinator Max Boton, himself a former intern, describes his experience: “This internship provides a fun yet challenging environment to work, and it is a great way to meet key political figures from the 10th District and beyond.”

The election season for 2012 has just begun, so there are plenty of opportunities for interns to learn about campaigning and the issues affecting the 10th District. General assignment interns may do research, walk door-to-door with candidates, work in campaign offices, staff events and issue forums, and meet many political figures. Specialized assignments are also available in the areas of research, new media, IT management, and political outreach.

In the past, interns have assisted at Tenth Dems events featuring then state legislator, and now President, Barack Obama, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, former Presidential nominee George McGovern, Governor and Presidential candidate Howard Dean, and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, as well as numerous Illinois state and locally elected officials and candidates.

Spring interns are expected to commit eight hours per week during the school year. Computer skills are desirable. The organization is looking especially for applicants with web administration and/or data management skills.

Internships are unpaid educational volunteer positions. Course credit is available with cooperating high schools and colleges. Acceptance into the internship program is selective and contingent upon an interview. Applicants should submit a brief paragraph explaining why they want this internship, along with a resume of their educational background and activities. Neither need be formal.

The work that interns do is always welcomed and appreciated.  At the Tenth Dems Spring Fundraiser, keynote speaker, U.S. Senator Mark Begich of Alaska noted the presence of the 2011 summer interns. He acknowledged that the event was one of the most well organized functions he had ever attended and he called the turnout of interns at the event “exciting because the future rests not with us but for young people, especially those here.”

The Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats is a volunteer group with members from all parts of the 10th Congressional District. The 10th District contains portions of both Cook and Lake Counties stretching from Winnetka through Waukegan and from Lake Michigan west through Round Lake. The District includes all or part of the following townships: Avon, Benton, Deerfield, Grant, Libertyville, Moraine, Shields, Waukegan, West Deerfield, Vernon, Zion and parts of Fremont, Lake Villa, Maine, New Trier, Newport, Northfield, Warren, Wheeling

For more information on the intern program, or how to apply, email us at info@tenthdems.org or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).

Tenth Dems offering internships that make a difference is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter

Thankfully, there are many federal officials—notably led by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin—who are willing to stand up for working Americans and say that it’s time to reverse the Court’s ruling. We can do that by passing a Constitutional Amendment.

If you agree, speak up. Sign our petition and remind Congress that America should be a government of the people, not of special interests.

“I support the constitutional amendment to give Congress and the states the authority to limit corporate and special interest money in our elections.”

Why should you click on the statement above and sign the petition?

Some corporations are willing to invest thousands of dollars to elect candidates who believe environmental protection is not important. Some are spending huge sums to help candidates who are willing to weaken banking regulations, scrap worker safety laws, and gut agencies that protect consumers. Some corporations want to boost their profits by getting tax breaks, and these corporations are willing to buy the help of candidates who want to fund those corporate tax breaks by cutting back on money for education, childhood development, and programs that help the poor and middle class. But while we don’t have the money to match the special interests, candidates are swayed by voters, as well as by donors.

“I support the constitutional amendment to give Congress and the states the authority to limit corporate and special interest money in our elections.”

Join with Tenth Dems to speak in one loud and strong voice and let our elected representatives know how we feel. We will submit this petition to Senator Durbin and other federal officials leading this charge.

Speak up! Don’t sit silently by and allow special interest money to be the only voice Congress hears. In America, people…not special interests…should always come first.

With your help, and your secure donation of $5, $10, $25 or whatever you can manage, we will return our elections to the people.

Take Congress off the Auction Block is a post from Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Become a member! or follow Tenth Dems on Facebook and Twitter