Archive for jlcrain

Someday is Not a Day of the Week

Today’s Emily’s List post on the number of women who hold public office in the US got us thinking about the state of the state here in Illinois.  Women comprise a majority of the electoral vote but don’t come anywhere close to that representation in government. Here are a few facts about Illinois Democratic Women:

  • Attorney General Lisa Madigan is the only state-wide elected woman here in Illinois.  That means out of the five constitutional offices—we only hold one!  That’s 20%.
  • If we elect Robin Kelly as our next State Treasurer, Sheila Simon as our next Lt. Governor and re-elect Attorney General Madigan—Democratic women will hold three out of the six constitutional offices or 50%.  Quite a bit of progress in one election!
  • Three out of the 19 Illinois Congressional Representatives are women.  That’s 16%.
  • Democratic Women State Representatives currently make up 21% of the Illinois House of Representatives.
  • Democratic Women State Senators comprise 17% of the State Senate.

There’s no question that those numbers need some work but let’s turn our focus to the 2010 midterm elections.  If we don’t stand behind women leaders in Illinois, we will see a decline in these already low numbers and will have Republican elected officials in their place halting our progress.

Where would we be without Congresswomen Halvorson, Schakowsky and Bean?  Would Obama even be able to pass his legislative agenda?

Does Illinois really need more votes like Congressmen Schock and Kirk?  Heck no!

Do you think Governor Brady has a nice ring to it? If he wins, Illinois will have to contend with an anti-woman agenda.

We as women, Illinoisans and leaders have a lot at stake this fall.  We cannot go in reverse like the Republican Party wants us to—we have to continue to move forward.

Not only do we have to protect great female leaders who are in competitive races like Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson and State Senator Deanna Demuzio (and the many many others across Illinois), we need to work to get Robin Kelly, Sheila Simon, Michelle Mussman and countless other great women elected in November.

Let’s get to work now.  As they say: “someday is not a day of the week“.  These women need your help.  The only way they will win in November is if we help them.  Make calls, talk to your friends and neighbors, make a financial contribution, and/or attend an event.

If we each do our part, Democratic women will win this fall.

Sign Up Today for the McLean County Democrats and Illinois Democratic Women’s Mini Campaign Bootcamp 2010-Bloomington

Training sessions include “Online Organizing: Campaigning for the 21st Century,” “Field Organizing and Precinct Building,” and “Talking to Voters: The Who, When, How of Messaging”.

When: Saturday, September 11, 2010

Time: Registration begins at 8:30 am, program runs from 9 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Laborers Local #362 Hall, 2012 Fox Creed Rd. Bloomington, Illinois

There is NO cost to attend this training and panel.  RSVP Required.  Email info@illinoisdemocratwomen.org to RSVP today.

Easy Voting in 2010

We are all busy with jobs, families, soccer practice, community service — the list goes on and on.  You may intend to vote on Election Day but something comes up and don’t make it to your polling place in time.  Or maybe you forget until it’s too late.  Maybe you vote every election but know your neighbor, brother, sister, best friend who doesn’t.

Illinois has found a solution to this problem: Vote-by-Mail.

Here in Illinois, we are trying to make voting as convenient as possible.  Not only can you Early Vote in the weeks prior to Election Day, you can now vote by mail! In the past, voters could only absentee vote for a particular reason.

Not anymore. With a recent change in Illinois election law, voters can vote via absentee ballot, or “Vote-by-Mail”, without giving any reason. This means that any registered voter in Illinois can vote from the convenience of their home. Get your Vote-by-Mail application today.

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Illinois Democratic Women Announces New Officers

SPRINGFIELD, IL— As the 2010 midterm election begins to heat up in the state, Illinois Democratic Women (IDW) announced their new board members Monday to lead the organization through the next election cycle.  In an alteration of their bylaws, the organization created a co-presidency that is now held by Retired Col. Jill Morgenthaler and Pam Monetti.

“I am honored to be asked to work with Pam and the other board members to mobilize women voters as well as help elect more women to office,” said Morgenthaler.  “As a former candidate myself, I understand the demands on women candidates and hope to lend that experience and knowledge to the great women candidates we have running this year and the years to follow.”

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Women for Quinn

Support the Quinn/Simon Campaign on Facebook! Join Women for Quinn today to stay up to date on women’s issues and support the Democratic ticket for Governor and Lt. Governor.

Welcome!

This past July, Illinois Democratic Women’s 2010-2011 Executive Board took office and we have been busy ever since! As you can see, we’ve moved a few things around on the website and added great new features such as this blog and the Facebook application on the right panel.  Also, be sure to check out our new events page to see what Illinois Democratic Women is doing to help Democrats win in 2010.

In the coming days, weeks and months, we will be posting to the blog frequently as well as rolling out several campaigns to help Democratic candidates this November. If you have issues, events or candidates you would like to make us aware of, please email us at info@illinoisdemocratwomen.org.

Welcome to our new blog and make sure you check back frequently for up-to-date information on the candidates and issues of the 2010 Election.