Seals also leading among independents, picking up Kirk voters

DEERFIELD, IL – In one of the most closely-watched Congressional races in the country, Democratic Candidate Dan Seals has a 13-point lead over his opponent, a new poll shows.  Seals is also winning among independents and picks up significant crossover support from voters who plan to support Republican Mark Kirk in the 2010 U.S. Senate race.

The attached memo shows Seals besting his opponent in several critical ways:

– DOUBLE-DIGIT LEAD: Seals holds a 13-point lead over Republican Bob Dold, 49% to 36%.  This margin is slightly larger than Seals’ 8-point lead in May (46% to 38%).

– WINNING INDEPENDENTS: Seals leads by 5 points among self-identified independent voters, 39% to 34%.

– STRONGER NAME ID: Seals’ name identification remains strong at 74% compared to his opponent, who was recognized by just 47% of respondents.  Seals leads in both Cook and Lake Counties and leads with almost every demographic subgroup.

– LARGE CROSSOVER VOTE: In addition to his strong base of Democratic and independent support, Seals is also winning 16% of voters who say they plan to support Mark Kirk in the 2010 U.S. Senate race, pointing to a diverse coalition of bi-partisan support.

“We are encouraged by this recent poll because it means that voters trust Dan to provide independent leadership and fiscal responsibility,” said Seals’ Communications Director Aviva Gibbs. “Dan will continue to focus on creating jobs and keeping taxes low, while ensuring that we protect our values and reduce the national debt in the years ahead.”

Anzalone Liszt Research conducted live phone interviews with 500 likely 2010 General Election voters between August 30 – September 2, 2010. Respondents were selected at random. The expected margin of error is +/-4.4% with a 95% confidence level.

Dan Seals is a business consultant and Lecturer at Northwestern University. The Democratic nominee for Congress in Illinois’ Tenth District, Seals is a former Director at GE Capital and Group Manager at Sprint. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and an MA in International Economics from Johns Hopkins University.  He lives in Wilmette with his wife, Mia, and their three daughters.  Seals is proud to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, the Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JAC-PAC), Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Human Rights Campaign, and more.

New Poll Shows 13 Point Lead for Dan Seals is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Location: Highland Park

Contact: To RSVP and for details and directions, call Friends of Karen May at 847-432-5811.

Attendance is free, but a response is appreciated. Hosts are Debbie & Chuck Frank.

Meet State Representative Karen May, Candidate for Reelection is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Location: Lake Bluff

Contact: To RSVP and for details and directions, call Friends of Karen May at 847-432-5811.

Attendance is free, but a response is appreciated. Host is George Covington.

Meet State Representative Karen May, Candidate for Reelection is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Time: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Daniel Biss for State Representative Office, 3351 Dempster St., Skokie

Contact: Please RSVP online or call 847-920-8825 to join the activities.

Come to the Biss campaign headquarters on Sunday or sign up on the website to help on a different day. Click “Take Action,” then “Volunteer” to select your personal interests.

To continue to make progress with an electorate skeptical of political candidates, the “Back to Biss-i-ness Office Party” offers a full range of activities. Make an impact, whether you choose to knock on doors, make phone calls, stuff envelopes, or write letters to the editor, all are important to the campaign’s success.

“Back to Biss-i-ness Office Party” with Daniel Biss in Skokie is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

“As an author of the Iraq war resolution and early booster of the war, Congressman Kirk continued to push the war even as members of his own party were calling for an investigation into the use of faulty intelligence. 

“It appears that rather than joining the bipartisan group of Senators who decided the truth was more important than the politics of saving face, Congressman Kirk used his position in the Navy Reserve to falsely imply he had classified information that others did not, then he repeated another set of false statements aimed at misleading our nation into war.

“The bottom line: Congressman Kirk can’t handle the truth. First came lies about his military record, and now there are lies about seeing ‘direct’ evidence of non-existent WMD.  His lack of judgment and honesty helped spur a war that has cost thousands of American lives, squandered billions of taxpayer dollars, and adversely affected our ability to respond decisively to the true threat of al Qaeda in Afghanistan.”

 THE KIRK IRAQ TIMELINE:

September 2002: Kirk is an early booster of the war in Iraq.

“‘This is a growing national security threat,’ said Kirk, a former legal counsel to the House international relations panel. ‘Iraq is back. It’s clear the weapon of choice for terrorists is a nuclear one. That would kill 3 million people, not 3,000.’… Kirk, who flew patrol missions over Iraq while a Naval Reserves officer, admitted he hasn’t seen a groundswell of support for an Iraqi invasion. But, Kirk said, the nation needs to brace itself for a foreign policy change toward preemptive action against nations that pose nuclear threat, a switch as major as joining NATO was more than 50 years ago.”  [Daily Herald, 9/5/02]

September 2002: Kirk is chosen by President Bush for a working group tasked with crafting the Iraq war resolution and moving it through Congress. [National Journal's CongressDaily, 9/19/02]

October 2002: Kirk says that he saw classified information supporting the need for a U.S. invasion of Iraq.

“Kirk said he has seen classified information that convinced him the resolution was needed.” Later the paper reported that Kirk had “said he had seen ‘direct’ evidence that Hussein presented a threat.”  [Chicago Daily Herald, 10/27/02; Chicago Daily Herald, 10/8/04]

June 2003: As Senate Republicans launch an investigation into the use of faulty intelligence to justify a rush to war, Kirk takes to the House floor to say he is confident that WMD exist.

“No weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? We know to a moral certitude of such weapons, how do we know? Saddam Hussein told us on December 7 of last year, he told the U.N. That he owned 30,000 chemical weapons. But he forgot where he put them. We have not even found the chemical weapons that Saddam admitted to the U.N. he made.  There are over 500 WMD sites in Iraq and we’ve inspected less than half of them. Remember Dr. Hussein Camel? The U.N. inspected Iraq for four years in 1991 and 1995 and found no nuclear programs. Dr. Camel then told us that 40,000 Iraqis worked on nuclear weapons but our intelligence missed it all. WM in Iraq, it is inevitable that a final chapter will be written in this story. And as Paul Harvey would say, and then we will say, and now for the rest of the story.”  [House Session, 6/5/03]

Kirk Pushed for War in Iraq is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

If you have any old laptops that you no longer want, Tenth Dems can put them to good use.  Volunteers in our office need them, and especially those that choose to work for us from their homes.  This is a particularly busy time, with Election Day less than two months away, and your old laptops would really help.  We would give them a good home and make sure they felt useful!  Just call us at 847-266-VOTE (8683) or email us at volunteers@tenthdems.org to make arrangements.

REMEMBER?

Think back to November, 2008.  Remember how it felt to win?  Remember the elation?   We thought we’d won the lottery!  Finally, we had a Democratic president, majorities in both houses, a chance to change the direction of our country.  It’s hard to remember that happy time without feeling a sense of loss.  What happened to all our expectations?  But if we think about the last two years without emotion, we can admit that Barack Obama did keep a lot of his promises.  He did sign healthcare reform legislation into law, and that was an accomplishment that had eluded presidents for generations.  He did manage to get a Wall Street reform bill through Congress.  He did save the automobile industry from extinction.  He did end combat operations in Iraq.  Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats passed a lot of progressive measures that are languishing in the Senate, the place where legislation comes to die.  But even given the Republicans’ permanent filibuster and the demonization of Obama and Pelosi by the right wing scream machine, a lot has been accomplished in this short period.   So why are so many Democrats thinking they’ll stay home on Election Day?  Don’t they remember what it feels like to win?  Are we going to just give up and turn it all over to the party that brought you tax cuts for the rich and endless war?  We’re making progress…don’t stop now!   Remember who we are.  We’re Democrats, and we’re going to vote for victory this November!

But voting is not enough.   Candidates need your help.  Take a look at this list of volunteer opportunities, and decide on something you can do.  You can work on a campaign, or for the Tenth Congressional District Democrats.  We need phone callers, door knockers, envelope stuffers and more.  Contact Tenth Dems at 847-266-VOTE (8683) or at volunteers@tenthdems.org and get involved.  There’s a great deal at stake, so sign on and be a part of history!

Candidates’ Needs

Walk with Daniel Biss

Walk his district any day of the week, any week!  He’ll enjoy your company, and you’ll enjoy meeting the residents of District 17 and convincing them that Daniel Biss is the right man to represent them. 

Call 847-266-VOTE (8683) or contact us at volunteers@tenthdems.org to help. 

Walk with Jennifer Bishop Jenkins

Jennifer Bishop Jenkins, candidate for Cook County Board, is walking the 14th district most weekday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and weekend afternoons from noon to 4:00 p.m. 

Call 847-266-VOTE (8683) or contact us at volunteers@tenthdems.org to help.

A Variety of Ways to Help Carol Sente, State Representative, 59^th District

Help Carol’s campaign by filling out a Friends & Family packet.  It only takes a few minutes, and it’s one of the most important things you can do.  Request a packet today!   

Office Volunteers  are needed to help Carol gear up for the General Election on November 2, 2010.  If you have a few minutes or a few hours to help, stop by the office at 680 Barclay Blvd. in Lincolnshire! 

Pick up a yard or window sign and display it on your lawn or at your place of business to show support for Carol!  

Call 847-266-VOTE (8683) or contact us at volunteers@tenthdems.org to help.

Kay Hoogland, Candidate for Lake County Board, needs your HELP

The Hoogland Campaign is looking for volunteers to help go door-to-door in the 18th District as well as distribute yard signs.  Any amount of time that you could give would be much appreciated.

Call 847-266-VOTE (8683) or contact us at volunteers@tenthdems.org to help.

Help Karen May by Signing Up For a Yard Sign

Will you show your support for Karen May for State Representative by putting yard sign on your lawn? It’s an easy, but important, way to help a candidate. Sign-up now to have a sign delivered to your home in Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Riverwoods or Bannockburn.

Call 847-266-VOTE (8683) or contact us at volunteers@tenthdems.org to help.

Tenth Dems Volunteer Opportunities

Phone Bank Callers

In the weeks ahead we will be making phone calls to Democratic voters. We need volunteers to help make those calls. You would call from a list we provide you, and be given directions on what information needs to be conveyed in the calls. Most of the calls would be made from a central location within the 10^th District.  We’d like to ask our phone bank volunteers to be available for at least one two-hour shift per week between now and Election Day. Most of the calling needs to be done in the early evening, although some daytime calling may be done.

 In a close election, every vote counts, and this election has the potential to be a very close one. In those circumstances, it’s important for us to reach key voters. Reaching them by phone is an important part of our effort.   

To help, contact us at 847-266-VOTE (8683), or at volunteers@tenthdems.org. 

Door-to-Door Campaigners

 Every successful political campaign relies on going door-to-door to reach voters. We need to assemble a team of door-to-door campaigners to reach voters in neighborhoods which show excellent opportunities for Democrats to win key votes. Every door-to-door volunteer would be given a list of doors to knock on, literature to deliver and training on what to say. Anyone who can devote even a little time to this effort will be more than welcome.  We can fit any free time you can give (whether it’s more or less than two hours) into our schedule. Weekends are often best for going door-to-door, but weekday schedules are also possible.  By volunteering, you can play a major role in ensuring a good voter turnout in November, and help us in our process of identifying key voters and making sure they cast their ballots on Election Day.

To help, contact us at 847-266-VOTE (8683), or at volunteers@tenthdems.org.

Event Managers

We have several Tenth Dems University events coming up, and we need people to help us set them up and to manage some of the details. For example, we need to find a location for the events, coordinate the dates and times of the events with our speakers, make sure the publicity gets done, and so on. You won’t be working alone on this, but we need your coordination skills to pull it all together. Much of the work can be done from home, either by phone or by email.

To help, contact us at 847-266-VOTE (8683), or at volunteers@tenthdems.org.

Jobs Central

Once again, we present a list of job seekers and some employment opportunities.  Please look over this list if you have a job that needs filling, and contact us if you see someone who might fit that position.  Or check to see if one of the openings might be tailor-made for you.  Call us at 847-266-VOTE (8683), or send us an email at volunteers@tenthdems.org if you are interested.  Or, if you want to be included in our list of job seekers, send us a paragraph about yourself like the ones below and a resume’ of your qualifications.

Job Seekers

#020 – I am interested in a teaching position at the middle school or elementary level teaching science, English Language Learners, or a self contained classroom integrating all core subject matter at the elementary level.  My teaching philosophy is a hands-on approach to learning with portfolio assessment primarily used as a formative assessment piece. I believe in the 21st Century philosophy of learning where students develop critical thinking skills to solve problems, clear communication skills, civic literacy, global awareness, as well as financial, economic, and business literacy.

#019 –  Multi-faceted and energetic researcher/writer/organizer seeks full-time or part-time job.  I have a Master’s degree in journalism with nearly two decades of experience covering education, poverty issues, municipal government and loads of other topics.  I also have five years of experience organizing successful projects, events, conferences and forums in the Reform Jewish community and for the Democratic Party in the western suburbs.  I am comfortable engaging with diverse groups and also on my own.  I’m adept at setting priorities and can shift them as the need warrants.  I work coolly and effectively in stressful situations.

#018 – Passionate nonprofit leader dedicated to mission driven, sustainable growth.  I am an experienced leader of nonprofit organizations.  I have diverse skills including financial, fundraising, marketing, communications, and advocacy.  As a consultant and development director I have created diverse development plans and raised hundreds of thousands of new dollars.  I am a talented speaker and moderator with experience leading strategic planning sessions, speaking on diverse topics, and coaching nonprofit leaders.  My advocacy experience stems from my work in legislative offices in Illinois and Wisconsin as well as my training as a lawyer and national organizer.  In addition, I strengthen organizations by building comprehensive budgets.  My clients include organizations serving women and girls, building educational opportunities, strengthening communities, and serving the elderly.  I am interested in key leadership position.

#017 – I hold a B.S.W. in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago as well as an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University.  I have been a Licensed Social Worker since 1999 and have 6.5 years of experience in the healthcare field, as well as 7 years of experience in the pension benefit/consulting field. Therefore, I believe that this unique combination of educational credentials and professional experience make me an extremely qualified candidate for positions in the governmental affairs, social services, healthcare administration, and direct (city, county, and state) governmental arenas.
#016 – I live in Vernon Hills and am looking for a Receptionist Position or Customer Service where the problems are taken care of from beginning to end.  I am looking for a position in any industry, medical or dental office. I have been working at these positions for over 20 years, and I am willing to work
in a team atmosphere and learn anything new on the computer.

#015 – Librarian with over 10 years experience is looking for full-time work in research, writing, or instruction.  I have strong public service skills.  I’ve written articles for library journals.  Also, I’ve taught  Internet and library database classes and I have facilitated programs.

#014 – After working my way through the different realms of the Futures Industry, my experience ranges from floor trader, clearing and operations manager, broker and electronic trader. Thanks to this wide range of experiences, I have learned  the industry and consider myself a professional with a varied, extensive background.

Throughout my career history, I have always been an excellent people person with an ability to create strong business relationships. I owned and operated a  business in Highland Park, IL, and this experience only enhanced my qualifications. I work extremely well under pressure and excel in stressful situations. I am very motivated, and would fit into a management role perfectly.

Help Wanted

#E06 Civic Engagement Coordinator, JCUA

The mission of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) is to combat poverty, racism and anti-Semitism in partnership with Chicago’s diverse communities.  Guided by prophetic Jewish principles, JCUA pursues social and economic justice for Chicago’s most vulnerable neighborhoods by promoting a vision of empowering communities from within. Since 1964, JCUA has assisted groups in low-income and minority communities, build coalitions with diverse groups, advocate on issues of poverty and racism and mobilize a Jewish constituency to create a more just city.

JCUA is partnering with several organizations on non-partisan voter engagement for the 2010 elections.   The goal is to recruit Jewish volunteers to assist in voter education and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) in the Jewish community and with other diverse communities (including communities with historically low voter turnout).   This person will work closely with JCUA’s Director of Advocacy and Public Policy to develop their own skills and build a successful voter engagement program that is a benefit to JCUA members, congregations and the broader community.  This position is temporary through the elections and will end in early November.  JCUA is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization, and all activities will be nonpartisan.  For more information or to apply, contact Tenth Dems at 847-266-VOTE (8683), or at volunteers@tenthdems.org.

#E05 Global Zero U.S. Field Organizer

The International Global Zero movement is working for the phased, verified elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide.  Global Zero believes that the only way to eliminate the nuclear threat is to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, secure all nuclear materials, and eliminate all nuclear weapons.

Global Zero is hiring a U.S. Field Organizer to lead the American grassroots movement.  They are looking for a pragmatic yet visionary leader skilled in both online and offline organizing tools and methods.  The position reports to the Global Field Organizer, and will be responsible for building the U.S.-based movement for zero, and sharing lessons learned in the U.S. with campaign staffs around the world.  For more information on how to apply for this position, call Tenth Dems at 847-266-VOTE (8683) or email us at volunteers@tenthdems.org.

#E04 Democratic Local Campaign Positions

Several Democratic campaigns in the 10^th District area are looking for help. These are primarily field staff positions, helping with door-to-door and other direct voter contact activities. The pay is minimal. The work is primarily in this part of the state. If you are interested, send your resume and cover letter to info@tenthdems.org and we will pass it on.

#E03 Political Internship in D.C.

A progressive, full service political consulting firm, with specialties in strategic advising/consulting, communications, research, fundraising/development and field/grassroots strategy, is seeking fall interns independently, meet tight deadlines, and balance multiple projects at once.  All candidates should be recent graduates.  If interested, contact Tenth Dems at info@tenthdems.org, or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).

#E02 – A private high school in the area is looking for a Director of Development. Working with and reporting to the President, the Director of Development is responsible for fundraising and the day-to-day operations of the school’s development office. Funds raised by the Director support the growth of the school and development of students academically, professionally and spiritually.  The Director is responsible for developing and executing programs that provide for donor cultivation, fundraising and stewardship. Additionally the Director provides leadership in any special fundraising initiatives.

A Bachelors degree or higher is required, with a minimum of five years experience in development, as well as a sensitivity to the ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds of the student body

Have A Laptop To Spare?…and Some Time to Help Democrats? is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., WCPT, Chicago’s Progressive Talk Radio

Location: The Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Ave., Rogers Park

Sponsor: The Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company: Knowledge and freedom since 1886 and the Heartland Cafe.

Live broadcast of the Norman Goldman Show followed by a Meet and Greet with the host! The event is free and open to the public.

PLEASE NOTE: THE HEARTLAND CAFE AND IT’S ASSOCIATED VENUES NO LONGER OFFER PARKING AT THE TRILOGY BUILDING’S PARKING LOT. PLEASE DO NOT PARK THERE OR YOU WILL BE TOWED.

Norman Goldman Live from the Heartland Cafe and on WCPT is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Opa!, 950 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills

Contact: RSVP to Andy at 847-902-6264 or by e-mail

Save the date for a fundraising event at one of Vernon Hills’ premiere local restaurants, Opa!. Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available.

Contribution levels: Athenian $250+, Spartan $100, Citizen (Individual) $35

Greek Fest Fundraiser at Opa! for Kay Hoogland, Candidate for Lake County Board is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago

Contact: Registration in advance is required. Sign up below or call Tenth Dems at 847-266-VOTE (8683) to request a complimentary ticket (or tickets) to this performance. Sign up by noon on Friday, September 10, to be included in the group. A person may request two tickets but you must provide the names of both persons and an e-mail address for the Will Call window to issue the tickets.

Tenth Dems is pleased to offer these free tickets provided by the Chicago United Film Festival. The films being presented do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tenth Dems or its members.

“HouseQuake” is a political documentary that uncovers how Rahm Emanuel and the Democrats took back Congress and changed the direction of American politics in 2006. The filmmaker will be present for a Q&A after the showing. More information is available at the Film Festival website.

Screening of “HouseQuake” Political Documentary at Music Box Theatre is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago

Contact: Registration in advance is required. Sign up below or call Tenth Dems at 847-266-VOTE (8683) to request a complimentary ticket (or tickets) to this performance. Sign up by noon on Friday, September 10, to be included in the group. A person may request two tickets but will need to provide the names of both persons planning to attend plus an e-mail address for the Will Call window to issue the tickets.

Tenth Dems is pleased to offer these free tickets provided by the Chicago United Film Festival. The films being presented do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tenth Dems or its members.

“Pontiac’s Rebellion” chronicles the hardships surrounding the impending closure of the Pontiac Correction Center in Illinois, and the struggle to keep it open. The director will be present for the screening. More information is available at the Film Festival website.

See Film Documenting “Pontiac’s Rebellion” at Music Box Theatre is a post from: Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats