Chicagoland for Kerry

Verdict

2004-11-11T21:30:00.000-06:00

I sent out a final listing of new articles and galleries to our Yahoo Groups in Illinois. I still have a few things to add -- mostly photos from events prior to 11/2 -- but as the campaign winds down and we redirect our efforts, there naturally will be fewer updates.

I'd like to thank everyone from Illinois who supplied articles and photos to the site. I'd also like to thank all of those on the various Yahoo Groups across the state who kept us informed and added to our enthusiasm and committment through the example of their own.

We may have lost this round but think of it this way: we have a mandate from all of those who supported us and who we care about to continue standing up for progressive causes, and we have values -- because that's the way we were raised -- not to relent until we eventually win.

See you all,

LEO
webmaster
illinoisforkerry.com

Experiences in Milwaukee

2004-11-03T20:15:00.000-06:00

Our candidate didn't win. His defeat and the triumph of his opponent -- particularly this opponent -- portends a difficult period for our country in the immediate future. This we all know.

But if we ignore for the moment where we are and concentrate instead on what we all did these past few months -- the level of commitment that so many people showed for so long -- it may give us hope that the current defeat while serious is only temporary.

For the last few days of the campaign I was in Milwaukee. Milwaukee was the scene of a tremendous Get Out the Vote effort that was mirrored in several cities and towns across Wisconsin. Countless people from Illinois were involved and as Sharon Sikes points out, our efforts at least in Wisconsin were successful.

But what did it mean to Get Out the Vote in the final few days leading up to the election?

Field operations in Milwaukee were run out of a fairly large one-storey building on Hawley Road. The building however wasn't large enough to accommodate all the volunteers who showed up. So the Wisconsin people moved their operations to the parking lot outside. On Sunday and Monday, it started to rain. So the Wisconsin people set up a large tent like what you might see at a State Fair. Volunteers who showed up could get their canvassing packets or visibility material in the tent. Many volunteers were in the field till late in the evening -- there were "lit drops" towards the end at 8pm and even 11:30. The neighborhoods could be completely dark and it would be hard to tell through the darkness and rain (and occasional ambiguity of the maps), whether you were going down your designated street. As the rain continued throughout Monday only beginning to diminish towards the end of the day, it turned rather chilly. So the Wisconsin people set up a heater in one corner of the tent. Funding for these activities was adequate but never large. Over the weekend, money for food to feed the huge numbers of volunteers either beginning or ending their shift ran out. Someone contributed a hundred pizzas. Someone else contributed 500 sandwiches from Subway's. A woman brought in a large pot of pasta that she had prepared herself. We made do, depended on the generosity of the local people and there was always something to nibble on in between shifts.

None of this is to complain about the conditions. Just the opposite. There could have been a tornado ripping through the area and most of the volunteers I saw would have happily chained their legs to a fence and continued to hand out literature despite the heavy winds. That was the level of commitment that we had in Wisconsin leading up to the election.

That was also the level of commitment in countless other places in Illinois as well as in the Battleground states. Naturally when you put out such an effort, you'd like to see your guy win. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. But not every team no matter how good wins the game every year. What we had to do and what we succeeded in was to create the team that actually could win a game -- if not this year then the next. That's the unprecedented thing and what we'll hold on to until the next time round.

We Made a Difference!

2004-11-03T20:02:00.000-06:00

Message from Sharon Sikes:

Hello again, my friends,

This is surely the letter I least want to write. I am devastated that we will not see John Kerry and John Edwards in the White House. I am deeply distressed by the message that Bush's re-election sends to the rest of the world. It is appalling that the moral referendums in several states brought out millions of new voters who made their voices heard over narrow moral issues: gay marriage, abortion, and stem cell research. It is stunning to see half of our country choose to ignore our President's unilateral bullying and deception and call it a just war on terror.

But, my friends, we've learned some important things here. WE MADE A DIFFERENCE! We delivered Wisconsin for John Kerry! When I was asked to raise funds to pay for some buses to take volunteers into Wisconsin, a goal of $10,000 seemed a realistic figure for the six weeks until the election. We thought that sending one bus each week into Wisconsin would be tremendous! Little did we know the depths of your generosity and committment! We sent that $10,000 to Wisconsin after only three weeks! By the middle of last week, when I sent the final bundle of checks off to Madison, we'd raised more than $25,000!

By the final weeks prior to the election, our biggest job was to respond to the hundreds of volunteers who signed up to travel! We had three people working on their computers all night for days on end, just to respond to emails and to schedule busload after busload of volunteers. Thea Turner, Daniel Biss and Mickey Alm deserve gold medals for linking their computers and keeping everything running! I know that a few of you got lost and we all regret that! This was a superhuman effort that was put together on the fly and I, personally, want to thank the many of you who didn't get scheduled during the final week, but who took Monday and Tuesday off, hopped into a car and showed up anyway!

The final four days saw IllinoisforKerry volunteers in Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Janesville, Beloit and Racine! We were flooded with so many volunteers that we were able to dispatch many of you from one location to another. What we heard, over and over again, was "Sure!" and, "Whatever you need!" "Go walk three miles in the rain to distribute literature? - No Problem!" "Drive another 2 hours to get another couple of drivers to Madison? - Absolutely!"

This afternoon, John Edwards said, "We can be disappointed, but we cannot walk away!" We have to learn something important! What we did made a difference! What we continue to do can make a difference. We must stay (or get) involved on a local level and on a state level. In two years, we will have a chance to make a difference in the Senate. It will be a start. There's no quick fix for the damage that has been done, but we know that we can make a difference! There's great power in unity and in shared belief.

Mike and I know that our days of complacency are over. We know that we have to physically, emotionally and financially put ourselves into the fray and continue the fight to take back our country, to restore our eroded civil rights and to rebuild what has been broken. It is not nearly as comfortable as simply complaining about the state of things, but it is necessary.

I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. I am humbled and awed by the depths of your generosity and by your committment and sacrifices. Many of you have become dear friends and, for this, I am exceedingly grateful! I won't be disappearing - the good fight is still out there!

God bless us and, God help us!

Sharon

It's Election Day! Vote Early! Then Volunteer In Wisconsin!

2004-11-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

Report from Thea Turner:

Dear Kerry supporters,

Today is the day! This is the most important election of our lifetime. We must win. Losing is unthinkable. There are two important things you can do today:

1) Vote early, if you haven't already voted!
2) Get out the vote for John Kerry and John Edwards and other Democratic candidates. This means going to a battleground state to help out if you can or helping with the election in Illinois if you can't travel.

If you are staying home and are not sure how to help get out the Illinois vote, call your local Democratic official's office and ask how you can help. There is lots to do!

If you can travel (and you are not already in Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan…), please come to Wisconsin! Wisconsin's 10 electoral college votes may well decide this election. Everything that could be done to prepare for today has been done. Now it's time to make sure every Kerry vote is cast!

We have had an overwhelming response to our call for Wisconsin volunteers. Many of you have sent email to NIKerryTravelers@yahoo.com, asking where you should go. We have tried to get back to as many of you as possible, staying up many sleepless nights to process them. Alas, you are so enthusiastic that we have been unable to get back to all of you.

If we did get back to you, and we gave you a location, please go there. We have sent people to the locations that were given by Kerry's Wisconsin team in the proportions they requested. That means some of you will drive farther than others. But all locations are important and need to be covered. The farther locations have the most need now.

If one of the 527's (MoveOn, ACT, League of Conservation Voters, etc.) asked you to work for them in the meantime, please consider that they cannot legally have any contact with the Kerry campaign. Therefore, their efforts be inefficient and may lead to duplication. The Kerry campaign in Wisconsin has a lot of voter history that is not available to 527's. It is very important that the campaign has enough volunteers to get all the Kerry vote out. The campaign is also under spending restrictions that the 527's don't have to follow. While the goal is the same, the Kerry campaign should have precedence if you want to volunteer.

Because we cannot answer you all individually, I'd like to ask you to go to a location that is as far as you are willing to drive. When you get there, check in with the local Illinois for Kerry (I4K) volunteer. We are coordinating the efforts of our volunteers at the request of the campaign, so we need to know when you are there and ready to help. Volunteers will be needed at least up to the time the polls close.

Here are our locations, with the address and coordinators.

You can also call the Kerry HQ in Chicago for information. When you arrive, you will receive all training and instructions in the office. You are encouraged to show up as early as you can. You can get directions from http://www.mapquest.com or http://maps.yahoo.com.

**Madison is home of a huge university and progressive community. It is a Democratic stronghold. Address: AFSCME Headquarters, 8033 Excelsior, Madison. I4K Coordinator:
Daniel Dennison. Wisconsin Coordinator: Kris Pratt

**Janesville is in a crucial swing region of the state.
Address: Janesville Labor Temple, 1605 Center Ave, Janesville. I4K Coordinator: Micky Alm. Wisconsin Coordinator: Kim Nelson.

** Beloit is also in a crucial swing region of the state. Address: Beloit Democratic Coordinated Office, 430 E. Grand Street, Beloit. I4K Coordinator: Sue Schell. Wisconsin Coordinator: Danica Sorenson.

**Milwaukee (central office) is an urban area that is a Democratic stronghold. Address: Milwaukee Labor Council, 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee. I4K Coordinator: Daniel Biss. Wisconsin Coordinators: Scott Haslett and Kris Shultz.

** Milwaukee (South office) is a second location in this critical urban, Democratic stronghold. Address: 910 S. 16th, Milwaukee. I4K Coordinator: Rich Heath. Wisconsin Coordinator: Richard Castanon.

**Racine is in another crucial swing region of the state. (central office) is an urban area that is a Democratic stronghold. Address: Racine UAW Hall, 3323 Kearney Ave, Racine. I4K Coordinator: Jonas Heineman. Wisconsin Coordinator: Diane Welsh.

**Kenosha is in the same crucial swing region of the state as Racine. Address: Kenosha UAW Hall, 3615 Washington Road, Kenosha. I4K Coordinator: Bill Bost. Wisconsin Coordinator: John Moak.

The cities are roughly ordered by distance from Chicago, although not necessarily your location. They are also in order by priority and need, since more people are willing to go to a closer location. Think about the need to get the Kerry vote out in all locations in Wisconsin, not just the corridor along the lake near Chicago.

If you can make it, fantastic! We really appreciate all your help! You don't have to call or email us, just show up. Bring your friends! Bring your family! Dress warmly and be prepared to do whatever is necessary to get Wisconsin to vote overwhelmingly for John Kerry and John Edwards!

Our buses will leave at 8:00 AM for their locations. We won't have a later bus, so you may have to drive. If you don't want to drive, find a friend who can or take Amtrack north to Wisconsin.

Good luck in Wisconsin! We're going to come back to Illinois with the country about to embark on a new, happier era!!!

Thanks, as always, for all your help!!!

Thea Turner from Madison, Wisconsin

IL volunteer GOTV efforts & Republican sabotage in Toledo, Ohio!

2004-10-31T20:18:00.000-06:00

Several Chicago volunteers drove out to Toledo, Ohio this weekend to do all we could to help Kerry in this battleground state. It was very encouraging to see Kerry/Edwards signs everywhere we went =) Some of our volunteers helped post even more yard signs near the convention center to help welcome Cheney today, too. Other volunteers lent a hand with leafletting as well.

Most of our efforts were working GOTV phone banks for Kerry/Edwards. Volunteers from California, Indiana, New York, Idaho, DC and Massachusetts were there as well to boost campaign efforts in Toledo. The local volunteers were very welcoming and enthusiastically optimistic about Ohio turning blue on Tuesday. The energy was high and very positive. The Toledo Blade ran a nice story on the volunteers which you can find here: http://tinyurl.com/4qpjx
I unfortunately was misquoted at the end and didn't like that they used the word "dispatched" since I made it clear that we were acting as independent volunteers going wherever we wanted to, but at least it sounds favorable for the Dems.

The particular phone bank that Nate, Mike from Toledo & I led all day yesterday was the largest Toledo area Kerry GOTV phone bank at Gallon and Takacs law offices. Out of the 8 phone banks that were in the Toledo area yesterday, this one produced one third of all of the contacts made. The Toledo area completed 16% of all of the calls made that day in Ohio.

Along with several of the other Chicago volunteers who showed up this morning ready to have another productive day, we were shocked to find out that the phones at this wonderful location were no longer working. Both the local phone company and the phone systems provider have confirmed to us that the fiber optic cable into the building was purposely severed (!!!) Many volunteers were rerouted to other locations and several also had to rely on cell phones when we found our lines down this morning. We thought it was an unfortunate coincidence until the phone company verified to us that the lines were intentionally cut.

These Republican dirty tactics are just one more reason that we have to give it all we've got in these last couple of days! Get to the battleground states & get everyone to the polls!!!

GO KERRY!!!!
Tanya

Ground Zero Wisconsin

2004-10-30T23:43:00.000-05:00

Report from Curtis Keyes:

I'm in Milwaukee with 1000s of other Chicagoans. People are flying in from California, D.C., London -- yes, London -- and other areas of the country to help Kerry win Wisconsin. Kerry must win Wisconsin. Not only will we have an Obama win, but increasing a Kerry/Edwards victory as well.

If you can come to Wisconsin-Milwaukee, please do so. Wisconsin is ground zero. Wisconsin voters can register and vote on Election Day! Wisconsin has 10 electoral votes that Kerry needs!!!!!!

Kerry will be in downtown Milwaukee on Monday at 10am. Free open public rally! Bush will be in Milwaukee Monday too! Come to Wisconsin! Come to Wisconsin! Help us knock on doors and canvass the city. The voting lines are long...up to over an hour. We are getting coffee, seats, food and more for voters while they stand in line. Help with that, help phone bank, help drive seniors/disable to the polls! We do not want any one to get tired and leave without voting due to how long the lines are. The GOP challenged 5600 votes on Saturday, but the court only threw out 39 and dismissed the GOP allegations!

Please respond to this e-mail and let others know that you can come up to Wisconsin. We have free food/coffee throughout the day-- breakfast, lunch, dinner and accomodation for those who need it!

Buses leave Chicago Monday and Tuesday mornings at 8am.

Curtis in Ground Zero Wisconsin. Vote early on Monday at City Hall in Chicago and head to Wisconsin!!!

Last Saturday in MO

2004-10-30T23:05:00.000-05:00

Report from Sue Masten:

There was a small group of us leaving early this A.M., but nonetheless a mighty group! I was pleased to have Kay Henriksen and Tammy Mitchelle join us this day. In fact, Tammy -- and Randall Abbott -- had so much fun, they are headed back Sunday! Randall is also offering his legal expertise to MO on election day. And anyone riding with Alecia needs to "strap in" for a fast ride to St. Louis!

There was a HUGE Canvass today. When we drove up there appeared to about 75 people gathered with several smaller groups of 10-15 joining throughout the morning. Those returning proudly reported "It's still Kerry".

Phone banking was done in earnest as well as a coordinate efforts to schedule rides to the Polls. Surprisingly, both the city and county election offices were open today so there was a push to get voters to either office today or Monday beating the highly anticipated rush on Tuesday. One lady in her 80's indicated she and her friend had already made their minds up to take a cab if they could not get a ride. The cab fair would have been quite a lot for both to pay in order to vote but they thought the cost would be well worth it. So do I, but I was glad to offer both a free ride to the polls.

The efforts made on the phone to voters there today paid off as many more than just few were driven to both offices to place their votes for Kerry!! Both offices offered to have ballots brought to the cars of those who were disabled. By 10am lines were forming at sites!! It was good to see to the willingness of so many volunteers to "go the distance" to ensure that others enjoyed the right to vote. And when I say distance, St Louis County covers literally miles upon miles of Missouri soil and the volunteers never even blinked when asked to drive 30 - 40 miles one way to get a voter. Kudos to them all.

On the other hand while making calls it was nice to hear how many seniors had already voted. It was a sheer joy to speak to a 92-year-old man who said quite proudly stated "I voted Tuesday!" Another asked what she could do to thank us for the ride... "Just tell as many as you can to vote and if any need a ride, call us." She did just that. Having voted three of her friends called today to get a ride to the elections offices and all three were taken. More Kerry voters and so many more yet to vote! Things look very positive.

Another surprising event was the number of lawyers who came into the Maywood office this day offering their legal services on Tuesday. This was refreshing to see yet on the other hand it brought to mind the reality of what happened four years ago. God Bless them for offering to protect our constitutional right to vote!

I want to take this time to thank ALL volunteers - for all your efforts whether it be in St. Louis or in and around the Springfield area. It takes time to make time to volunteer. But I have to say, the real joy for me has been meeting so many of you -- working along side of you. Thank you again and I hope to see you again. And May God Bless you and yours in all that you do now and forever. And, may this Thanksgiving find that we have something extra to be thankful for.

85K See Kerry in Madison

2004-10-29T18:11:00.000-05:00

Kerry In Madison on Thursday

Unbelievable! College kids hanging out of the windows at the rally, people as far as I can see, thousands of Kerry signs, what an experience Thursday's rally in Madison was to see.

The national Kerry advance team called us a week before the event to try to pump up turnout from the Chicago area. At the time, they had hoped a showing of 40-50k would make the national news. Instead a whopping 85k turned out...

On Thursday, Channel 5 (to air on Monday) came to interview folks as they were leaving for the rally from the Democratic Party of Evanston.

The ride up I-90 was one IL car with Kerry bumpers stickers after another. We were about forty feet from the stage and had to go through metal detectors to get there. See the pic.

Anyway, when you looked back up State Street to the Capital building, it was an amazing mass of humanity. Awe inspiring to put it mildly.

The thing that kills me about the rally was how the media reported it. Every report keep saying Bruce Springsteen turned out the crowd. What a load of crap! The applause for Kerry was thunderous especially when he served up the red meat for the crowd. People were glad to see Springsteen, but no one drove from Chicago to see the Boss from half a mile away. Why is it the media refuses to believe that swing state voters could actually like Kerry?

Enough ranting, the excitement and momentum were in the air. Kerry's best line was, "This President looked you in the eye during the debates and said how hard it was, how hard it was. (Mockingly) Well help take a burden off this President on November 2nd, send me."

Special thanks to uber volunteers Magali and Maureen for organizing the I4K effort to boost attendance at the rally. Great job!

Meetup Reports

2004-10-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

Report from Josh Lange (Goose Island/Ann Sather):

Last night was my first time hosting at Ann Sather, but the crowd was great (just under 30 people) and I had excellent help from my co-host Joey Hampton. This was the first Meetup without Goose Island, but thankfully a few transplants showed up. Handouts were distributed, volunteers were recruited (for traveling and phonebanking). Guest speaker Joel Colon rallied the troops with his experiences in Afghanistan and personal motivation to ensure patriotism and a vote for John Kerry are one and the same. Afterwards, he took questions from the audience.

This is the first presidential campaign to incorporate the concept of a Meetup into its campaign strategy. Even in the primaries, Kerry’s supporters met and strategized with one another, and this tradition has carried on with five days to go. It has been a real pleasure coordinating Meetups with hosts leaders all across this city, and I hope we can use the KerryChicago Yahoo! group and www.illinoisforkerry.com website to keep us motivated and connected, no matter who wins.

Report from Peter Norman (Evanston):

The Evanston Meetup went well--about 25-30 people. Jan Schakowsky showed up to speak. She is always inspiring.

Report from Dan Pawlus (Hyde Park):

Although there was only a handful of us, everyone was provided flyers and information on how to get out the vote this coming weekend. Each attendee was very motivated.

Report from Barbara Coleman (Bucktown):

Maria Mariottini and I hosted the last Kerry/Bucktown Meetup. We had 17 people attend. Guest speaker Dick Simpson inspired and thanked the crowd for all the work we have done. Everyone pledged to do something over the next few days.

There was a young woman who stopped by with her baby; she pledged to do phonebanking using the setup at http://calls.johnkerry.com/.

One volunteer who is voting for the first time in the US, talked about how inspired he is by the democratic process where we can make a difference, as compared to elections in his native country.

Several people are going to go to Wisconsin over the weekend and on election day. It seemed like everyone was willing to do what it takes in the last days and hours before November 2nd.

I will miss all the comraderie, and I am proud to have been part of the effort to elect Kerry and Edwards.

Freshpaint – I4K Canvasser and Blogger

2004-10-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

Over at Freshpaint, Cynical recounts a hilarious story that happened as I4K canvassers were leaving Chicago for Wisconsin on Sunday.

Perhaps the most memorable moment occurred when two buses covered in Kerry-Edwards paraphernalia and loaded with chanting volunteers drove right past a befuddled-looking Alan Keyes in downtown Chicago. (Yes, this actually happened. But he looked like he was used to hearing deafening "Obama! Obama!" cheers everywhere he went!)

Poor Keyes, he just always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. LOL!

Exit the Landing Craft and Proceed to the Shore

2004-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

With 7 days left till the general election, an image comes to mind. It's an image of G.I.'s from WWII sitting in their landing craft, bobbing up and down, about to hit the shore. Perhaps this image owes more to Hollywood than to real life but it illustrates the critical moment that we're at in the current campaign.

I wasn't one of the first to support John Kerry for president (for that perspective, see Asim's message) but as soon as it became apparent that he would be the Democratic candidate, I became active in his support. At first it was a marriage of convenience: I wanted to kick George Bush out of office and so did Kerry (or maybe it was the other way around). In any case, as the campaign progressed, those qualities in his character that take a while to sink in -- his doggedness, his determination, his sense of judgment and mastery of the facts -- qualities that we saw so clearly throughout the three presidential debates -- those qualities proved to me and to so many others that he wasn't simply an alternative to Bush but that he was the better man by leaps and bounds.

A lot of people now feel that way. The truth is we're winning. We're winning so well that the other side with all its media manipulation and saturation advertising can only muster a tie in the polls. That's bad news for them and good news for us.

The other good news is that as we approach the end of this campaign, what each of us has to do becomes clearer. At this point, it's either work the phones at one of the Phone Bank centers or travel to a battleground state on one of our i4k roadtrips. If that's how we spend the next seven days, we win.

All of our activities have led up to this. This is the moment we've been waiting for -- the final push. We're like the G.I.s in that landing craft with the door suddenly opening up. It's our job to rush out and take back our country.

Final Push

2004-10-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

Message from Asim Mohammad:

Dear all:

I would like to keep it very simple. This is it. We are in the last eight days to fulfill our dreams, yours and mine.

As many of you know, from DuPage County, I along with Bob Wagner, Nancy Young, Bryan Thompson and Krystle Newquist have been with this campaign from the very beginning. Checkout the picture above from the initial days of campaign.

We went to IA for the Jackson-Jefferson dinner, campaigned in DuPage and Chicago, wrote letters around the USA, passed out literature, did phone banking, collected signatures to put Kerry on the Illinois ballot, spoke on his behalf to various gatherings, walked the parades (once there were only 3 of us), performed community services wearing Kerry shirts, hosted fund raisers and were part of fund raisers, donated to the Kerry campaign, went to different states as ground troops, attended the Democratic convention in Boston and re-did the whole cycle again.

We were there when the news was bad (and I mean REAL BAD) and we were there to celebrated our first victory in IA. We had a great journey in which we met great people young and old and made great friends. Now the journey is about to end with bright days ahead of us.

In the last 4 days the campaign needs as many people as possible to sacrifice their personal time and go to IA for the collective good. This is the last time the campaign is asking anything from us. In these days we will seal what we all, you and me, worked so hard to achieve, prosperity in all walks of life with domestic and international respect for USA. IA is where Kerry changed the statistical formula about Primaries and IA will be where he will change it one more time.

For the last 4 days of this election we are needed in IA. I am trying to arrange transport to go to IA and I am told accommodations for Illinois troops will be provided by Kerry supporters. It is exactly what happened during the Caucus. The campaign, in its last leg is requesting all of us to put aside our personal lives and help the campaign achieve the crowning victory which we all so want.

315 Volunteers Try to Save Democracy

2004-10-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

Saturday canvassing for Illinois for Kerry travelers continues to explode. Volunteers just keep responding with more and more heart and effort. Today while miserable and rainy over 315 volunteers excitedly boarded 6 buses headed for WI and IA. The excitement brought to Kerry staff and local volunteers from the I4K volunteers was electrifying. Thousands of doors were knocked, supporters were asked to vote early, undecideds were won over and local volunteers were recruited for Election Day.

Grassroots organized and led, Illinois for Kerry is making a difference on a national scale. No top down organization can compete with our excitement or level of commitment. In the last six weeks of bus trips, we have put over 7200 manhours on the ground in Wisconsin and Iowa.

Al Gore was down 3-7% in 2000 going into Election Day in Wisconsin and won because the Democrats had a better ground game. Well the Bushies aren’t going to know what hit them this year, because I can tell you WI Democrats have the largest number of ground troops ever. You are a giant part of the reason why Iowa and Wisconsin will stay blue!

By the way, after the Election is anyone up for a restful weekend in Lake Geneva?

Missouri Update (10/23)

2004-10-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

Report from Sue Masten:

Well, it's been a while coming getting information about Missouri from the new staff, but I took advantage of being once again the office at Maywood today. I met with Mark Jones and Megan Hutchinson. Missouri is now back to full production, at the level when Jack Ryan and staff were transferred to IA. To quote the staff, "We were of victim of our own success." But they are back on track.

MO is making about 12,000 contacts with voters each night. This is a state-wide figure. The good news is about 3 weeks ago the Republican National Campaign pulled its money and left only a small ground force, so it is good for the taking. Staff in MO indicate through phone calls and canvassing they have identified enough voters to win St. Louis and in doing so they predict to will MO as a state. A special thanks to all of you who have volunteered your time to help our sister state Missouri in making those phone calls and canvassing!!

Today calls and canvassing centered around seeing if voters knew their polling place and if they needed a ride. Kerry Fliers continued to be passed out. I can tell you from all the calls I made (over 40 pages worth), several people indicated that they have been called again and again, and people have stopped by their homes. Now the trick, as always with Democrats: Get the vote out!!! Get them to the polls.

Today we had a nice selection of people from IL. Kudos to Matti and Dora Shalev, from Champaign , who were actually in Chicago yesterday and drove to St Louis today to work!!! They have committed to work election day as well. Dora said if they can, they will stay from next Saturday until election day!!!

Dan Moore was great working both canvasses and phone bank. I do not know if anyone knows him, but he is a ringer for Jimmy Carter. I had to blink twice when he first walked in the office!! He and his wife, from Decatur, are week-long workers. They too will be there election day.

New comers, Stu and Virginia Jacobson had a great time working hard on the phone banks. They too are considering coming on election day.

Randall Abbott has been very diligent with consistent Saturday canvassing. He and Dan Moore report a very high rate of Kerry support when canvassing. Randall reported only ONE Bush voter in his area.

Volunteers from IL were recognized today in the Maywood for the commitment - which includes driving time from anywhere 2 - 3 hours one way. The commitment has been consistent and very much appreciated. ALL IL volunteers were asked to raise their hands reflecting 1/2 volunteers in the office!! Cheers and hoots and hollers were given to all the hard workers from IL!!

It was an honor to meet Dora, Matti, Dan, Virginia and Stu, and all the weekly IL volunteers and I look forward to seeing all of you next Saturday!! Again, I am in a cast and will only be able to work phones, but I am more than willing to drive others to St Louis.

Evanston Group Brings 100 to Buffalo Grove Phone Bank

2004-10-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

Report from Sue Schell:

Greetings All,

I'll say it again, the volunteers that I have met
doing this work are the best I've ever had the
pleasure of working with.

So many people showed up last night after working a
long hard day at work. And, how about that nice
traffic on the Edens??? Made me feel bad for the
folks that make that commute every day. Anyway we got
there and boy, did we ever get the job done.

Byron, the manager of the Phonebank Center reported to
Avis LaVelle that our group had brought nearly an
extra 100 people in. They had the most one day callers
working at the PhoneBank with a total of over 150
people last night resulting in nearly 20,000 phone
calls being made to WI.

And, if you couldn't make it, don't worry there will
be other opportunities. I will probably be calling on
you again sometime soon, but wanted you to know how
much your work matters and how close I feel to all of
you wonderful people.

[Note, KerryNSub are preparing an Encore Performance Scheduled for Sun. 10/24 at 2pm. Email Sue Schell for more info.]

Kerry Says Bush Had a Chance to Get Zarqawi

2004-10-21T20:23:00.000-05:00

There is a must read over at the Liberal Oasis that we need to get into circulation.

Kerry gave a speech Wednesday that needs to be in the headlines. If it gets in the headlines, Bush's credibility on terrorism is destroyed.

Compiled from the Liberal Oasis story:

"Before the Iaq war, Zarqawi was operating out of a no-man’s land in North Eastern Iraq, next to territory controlled by America’s Kurdish allies, not by Saddam."

Our military had three separate plans to attack Zarqawi, but "the administration feared destroying the terrorist camp in Iraq could undercut its case for war against Saddam."

New Record for I4K Canvassing, plus the NYT

2004-10-18T19:17:00.000-05:00

This weekend I4K canvassers broke two records. This was our first weekend to have over 260 volunteers on the ground, almost fifty more than our previous record. The second record to fall was that we put buses in multiple battleground states.

The thousand of contacts we are making will pay off on Election Day!

FYI, I4K’s efforts even made mention in the “newspaper of record” the New York Times in an article about Wisconsin.

In the last few weeks, two-thirds of the Kerry staff members in Virginia have been redeployed to swing states, many to Wisconsin. Last weekend, 200 Chicago-region Democrats, unneeded in their home state, where Mr. Kerry is well ahead, traveled by school bus to Janesville in south-central Wisconsin, to Milwaukee and to suburban Waukesha County.

I4K Canvassers Doing Callisthenics for Warmth

I4K Travelers Open Second Bus Front to Iowa

2004-10-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

What a fun bus trip to Iowa this weekend! We started calling volunteers Thursday already signed up to go to Wisconsin to dig deeper and give more. While Kerry is continuing to move ahead in the polling in Wisconsin, we have watched as Iowa had been moving in the opposite direction of recent. We decide to divert 50 I4K volunteers to Davenport in an attempt to help Team Kerry shore up Iowa, so we asked volunteers if they would be willing to spend two more hours on the bus and show up an hour earlier.

I've got to tell you that I was worried no one would show up earlier on Saturday morning to catch the Iowa bus given the late notice. Much to my surprise, we had a full bus of battle hardened volunteers who to a person said, "I want to be where I am most needed." And yes, this dedication is why Bush is going down in defeat on November 2nd.

Besides a great day of canvassing, everyone had a great time on the ride. We really got a kick out of the irony of the I4K bus "pit stop" in Ronald Reagan's hometown of Dixon, Il for dinner.

And just in case you don't already realize what a difference you are making, here is the text of an e-mail from Eric the coordinator:

On behalf of the Kerry Campaign and the IDP, I want to thank you and all of your volunteers for spending Saturday with us. We so enjoyed having you here. As a result of all of your hard work, we here in Scott County knocked on many (numbers withheld) doors this weekend--the most of any county in the state!

We hope you will visit us again soon....like next weekend :)

Thanks again--you really helped energize our existing volunteers and helped us narrow our universe of voters significantly.

All the best--Eric

The photo gallery can be found here.

Cold, but Fired Up for Kerry in IA!

Lawyers needed in Wisconsin -- tell a lawyer you know!

2004-10-18T01:33:00.000-05:00

[If you're a lawyer in Illinois and want to help out in Wisconsin on Election Day, please read this message from Claudia. Lawyers from Illinois are welcome. LEO]

Hello, my friends:

I've just returned from Wisconsin, and local Democratic organizers told us that they need 400 lawyers in Wisconsin on Election Day to help protect the vote in this crucial battleground state. There are fears of voter disenfranchisement, whether inadvertent or deliberate, through missing names on voter rolls and worse.

If you know lawyers who support Kerry (or know someone who does), please pass this on for their consideration. They don't have to be members of the Wisconsin Bar.

Interested lawyers can send an email to protect@wisdems.org, or call 414/344-1511.

Thanks, all! Keep the faith!
Claudia

400 Volunteers Needed at Largest Phone Bank in the Country

2004-10-15T14:29:00.000-05:00

Appeal from Kerry Volunteer, Jim Gagne:

If you can't find the time to go to Wisconsin, here's an opportunity to affect the race in Wisconsin and Iowa without leaving Lake County! There is a John Kerry phone bank at 1275 Barclay Blvd. (just south of Aptakisic Rd. in Buffalo Grove.)

I have been working at this call center since it opened. It is a very well run operation. It is the largest phone bank in the entire country - we have the capacity to have 400 people calling at the same time.

Everyone who shows up and makes some calls will feel like they are really making a diference. We are currently calling Wisconsin and Iowa. You get an opportunity to help win a battleground state without having to leave Lake County! You no longer have to call to sign up. Just show up! We will be there every Monday-Thursday from 6-9 pm. We also are operating every Saturday from 11:00 to 6:00pm and every Sunday from 2-6 pm.

Please come even if you can only call for an hour or two. You will be glad you did!

[Note, a list of all phone-banking centers (together with their location and hours) can be found at the i4k Phonebank Central on IllinoisforKerry.com.

For more information, please email ILKerryVolunteers@yahoo.com or call 312-832-0220 x234]

I4K Travelers working hard in Iowa on Sundays

2004-10-15T09:35:00.000-05:00

This last weekend’s canvass was a phenomenal success! We knocked on 2567 doors and spoke to hundreds of contacts. We also got 251 people to swing from an undecided or leaning status for Kerry or bush to a definitely Kerry status. We knocked on more doors in Davenport than any other office in the state besides the Des Moines office (which is three times the size). On October 17th, 24th and 31st we will be doing another volunteer canvass in which we hope to increase the number of volunteers and focus on voter outreach in selected precincts. If everybody can bring an extra friend or two, we can clean up in Scott County Iowa! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication and for traveling to Iowa week after week to move us toward a stronger and more respected America. The Iowa Democratic Party really appreciates all the Illinoisans who continue to come out to Iowa to help make a difference.

Debate Party 3 at the Firehouse

2004-10-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

Report from Thea Turner:

The Firehouse Grill was a full house, packed with well over 100 Kerry supporters to watch the third Presidential Debate. The crowd listened intently as each candidate fielded questions on domestic issues, with occasional cheers and and applause as JK deftly handled one question after another. Once again George Bush's record as president was on the line, this time on his performance at home -- and once again he failed to give us any credible reasons to send him back to the White House. Kerry easily won the third debate, going 3 for 3 against Dubya.

The people at the Firehouse left pleased with what they had heard from Kerry, convinced that he is the man to lead America and back on the right track and that George Bush's failed record on health care, jobs, security, fiscal responsibility, etc., should result in another job loss -- his own! Plans were made to travel to battleground states, phone bank for Kerry in Evanston and Buffalo Grove, and to do whatever possible to give Kerry/Edwards a decisive victory on November 2.

From the Battleground [WI] ...

2004-10-14T13:24:00.000-05:00

Another view of last week's trip to Wisconsin (10/9), this one from Jonas Heineman:

Over 200 volunteers piled into four busses and dozens of cars this past Saturday to lend a hand to our northern brethren in what could be the effort that makes the difference for John Kerry in Wisconsin. The second-largest trip to date had the greatest success yet, collecting more absentee ballot applications per person than any previous trip... so many that the folks in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Beloit, and Racine are still counting!

But we're confident that we have had many absentee ballot applications returned and many more applications handed out. That means the potential for thousands of votes in the bank for Kerry/Edwards, less waiting in poll lines on election day, better paper trails, and the ability to concentrate election-day efforts in areas that need us most.

I canvassed in the 1st ward, right on the Milwaukee/Glendale border after getting up at 4:30 to help with the Obama rally (which many Chicagoans attended before canvassing), and I was welcomed with open arms.

During the course of the day, I was invited into many homes and yards (and allowed to use a restroom), given three glasses of water, a grape soda, a chocolate bar, and 21 absentee applications, my best yet! Even the Republicans and dogs were nice... My conclusion: the weather is getting cooler, but people are warming up to us and willing to do what it takes to win the most important election of our lives.

This effort is of the kind that gave Dubya the shocking defeat in Iowa in 2000, bringing the electoral vote down to the wire. Since the Republicans usually count on absentee votes, they were wrongly confident about winning the state with the absentee ballots yet to be counted... but Gore ended up winning by a few thousand votes when they were all tallied.

We all know how Dubya has made us feel the last four years. The least we can do is pay him back with the unpleasant surprise of defeating him where he needs to win in battleground states like Wisconsin. Karl Rove may play dirty, but we play tough. And we've got the ground game to back up the convictions that bring back our veteran canvassers week after week to help in this powerful outreach effort.

So until every vote matters just as much as the next, we'll keep travelling north to swing the state for Kerry like our lives depend on it... because they do.

[Note, Jonas Heineman is one of our Trip Coordinators.]

Thank You from the Iowa Democratic Party

2004-10-13T14:54:00.000-05:00

via Nate Zeke:

Attn: Illinois for Kerry and Northern Illinois Kerry Travelers

This weekend’s canvass was a phenomenal success! This weekend we knocked on 2567 doors and got 834 contacts. We also got 251 people to swing from an undecided or leaning status for Kerry or bush to a definitely Kerry status. We knocked more doors than any other office in the state besides Des Moines’ office (which is three times the size of ours).

Next week we will be doing another volunteer canvass in which we hope to increase the number of volunteers and focus on voter outreach in selected precincts. If everybody can bring an extra friend or two, we can clean up in Scott County Iowa! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication and for coming out here week after week to move us toward a stronger and more respected America. We all really appreciate Chicagoans that come all the way out here to Iowa to help make a difference.

Nick Antonopoulos
Iowa Democratic Party
Davenport, IA
563-322-1693
319-321-8049

[Note, Nate Zeke is Coordinator for i4k Travel to IA. Roadtrips to Iowa take place every Sunday. To sign up for one of these trips, go to our Events Page.]

Chicagoland Bakesale Nets Over $1,000 for Kerry-Edwards

2004-10-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Kerry Volunteer Nancy Katz shows how a Bakesale can make a big difference. She reports:

On Sunday, September 26, 2004, I hosted a Fund Raiser for the Kerry / Edwards campaign. It was primarily a bake-sale, with a number of individuals donating baked goods for sale. Our youngest baker was 10 years old. A number of ‘potters’ from the Lill Street Studio donated items for the event, as well as others donated books to sell as well as political buttons. We targeted three States to raise money for ( WI, MI and OH). About 50 people attended the event over a 2.5 hour time frame, including a few that were just driving by. We raised over a $1,000!

Missouri is kicking BUTT!

2004-10-12T23:22:00.000-05:00

Report from Sue Masten

Missouri tops the nation-wide contact list on several individual nights last week!! To quote Jack, "It was a stellar week!!"

Missouri contacts made last week hit an all time high of 117,000!!! The week before Jack Ryan was ecstatic when Missouri had 72,000 contacts. Last week alone 47,000 MORE were made. Again thanks to all the efforts of Illinoisans who have graciously given up weekend(s) to help our neighboring state Missouri.

A large group of determined working people joined our efforts last week. A call of thanks has been placed to my good friend Tom McLaughlin for his involvement in this. 68 of his co-workers worked hard this past Saturday supporting the Kerry-Edwards team by knocking on the doors of our Missouri neighbors homes. With continued efforts such as this, Kerry will win Missouri and the Election!

In addition there were also a number of other Illinoisans there to help. My son and I worked a very large precinct -- taking 8 hours to cover -- and in doing so, we spoke to some truly wonderful people who feel it is time for change. Don't we all?

To quote a republican (which I almost NEVER do) "Are we better off now than we were four years ago?" I think not. With just 3.5 weeks to go, lets keep up the pace!

Thanks again to Jack and his staff in MO for being such gracious host!

I4K Travelers Storm WI and IA

2004-10-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

What can I say, but you really delivered another fantastic weekend with over 205 volunteers participating in Saturday's canvassing. Rose, the Waukesha Field Coordinator, sent me an e-mail just to let us know how much they appreciated our work. Just in the Milwaukee (including New Berlin) area, we set a “NEW MILWAUKEE REGION RECORD” for number of contacts and absentee requests!

And New Berlin and Milwaukee were just two of the cities where we put buses. I4K Traveler buses were also sent to Racine and Beloit with overflow cars going to Madison. Five cities in one weekend!!!

This Saturday the 16th will be the LAST bus trip where we focus on collecting Absentee ballot requests. We have been asked to really turn UP our numbers out for this last absentee push. Please, please, please consider coming this Saturday to help! We have four buses and need to fill them completely!

And don’t forget the thirty I4K Travelers who kicked some Bushie tail last Sunday in Iowa. They did a persuasion canvassing, put up yard signs, and collected absentee ballots. In all, I4K volunteers in Davenport knocked on a 1000 doors and persuaded over 300 voters. Nathan will again be leading a group to go this Sunday.

Illinoisans in St Louis for Kerry Post-Debate Rally

2004-10-09T23:42:00.000-05:00

Hot ticket of the night following Debate No. 2 in St. Louis was the Rally at the America's Center. A number of Illinoisans attended. Here's the Report from Sue Masten (Springfield):

Well, It's 10 pm Saturday night and I just got home! Does that tell you anything?

What does 10,000 people sound like screaming "Kerry! Kerry! Kerry!"? Well now I know. It is amazing! And what a sight to see. Combine the blend of voices in rhythmic chants with signs of Kerry Edwards, Women for Kerry, Nurses for Kerry, Veterans for Kerry and a gazillion waving American Flags, not to mention red, white and blue confetti -- it's a scene I am not soon to forget.

There were two large screens in which to watch the debate a large stage backed by a bleachers soon to be filled with yet more Kerry supporters. Staff workers passed out signs, flag, and shirts. And the people everywhere were polite and kind, gracious and friendly, and full of hope and the spirit which hope brings. Smiles were abundant. And children attending were all amazed, eyes wide in wonder and awe. This was like a scene from the Democrat Convention. I stood like all the others waving my flag, and chanting "Kerry, Kerry, Kerry!!"

10,000 pairs of eyes and ears were glued to the two large screens. The debate took on a life of its own -- its heart beat: the crowd. Everyone listened intently to everything which was said. Kerry was HOT, sizzling hot. He was direct, firm and presidential and the crowd, the heart of it all, seemed to blend and become as one -- all supporters, all believers in the future, in the possibility that life can become better and leaving no room for doubt that it will be better.

With signs waving, John Kerry, his daughter, his sister and Teresa entered the room and soon people were chanting "Hello John, Good-bye George!" And there in front of us, only steps away, was the person who all came to see. And he spoke to us, thanked us, and encouraged us.

Three and a half weeks left to go, lets not get weary, lets pick up the pace, walk another block, knock on another door, call another person!!

Sorry that not everyone could be there - it certainly was worth it all. And thanks to Jack Ryan for offering the VIP tickets to us all. We sure enjoyed the night!!

Sue Masten

[photo courtesy Beth Sands (Edwardsville)]

October Surprise : Bush Adminstration Self-Destructs?

2004-10-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

I don't know. Kevin Drum records a 7-Day litany of bad news for the Bush Administration. I thought, gee, what an opportune moment for all of this to happen. It's hard to deal with BC04 rhetoric -- nonsense mostly -- but it's equally hard to explain why all the bills are coming due just now.

Do we have a friend up there?

Cheese Parties for Wisconsin

2004-10-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

Report from Sharon Sikes:

The fundraising house parties for Wisconsin Outreach were quickly termed "Cheese Parties." Almost 20 volunteers, from Riverside to Vernon Hills, have stepped forward to host a party to raise money for buses to get our volunteers to Wisconsin!

In September, we raised more than $10,000 and October has a very good chance to surpass that! Many of the parties are also actively recuiting volunteers with letter writing stations, phone lists for people to pull out their cel phones right then and there, and we can't forget such memorable games as "Bushinocchio" (pin the very long nose on the Bush!).

Each bus costs a minimum of $500 and we also send $300 worth of bumper stickers and buttons with EACH bus - we're going to use every cent and more. In the week prior to the election, we'd like to see several buses running every single day, sending our ground troops out, knocking on doors, collecting absentee ballots and getting out the vote!

We will continue to host parties up the the last minutes of the campaign. They're fun, people are thrilled to donate money to something specific - they can see where their money is going and that it is absolutely bringing us more votes for John Kerry!

Email me for more information!

Go to Photo Gallery.

Gandi Statue Dedication (10/2)

2004-10-04T10:02:00.000-05:00

A STIRRING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
A Kerry Campaign Volunteer’s Account of Weekend Events

by Susan Schell, 9th CD
Volunteer Director of the Kerry Media Corps.

The beautiful Gandhi Dedication Ceremony on Saturday was a very moving experience for all 41 Kerry-Edwards Volunteers, who participated with me this weekend, on October 2 and 3. We were also touched by the wonderful Sunday afternoon we spent on Devon Street, meeting and greeting storeowners and shoppers.

As expected, the Indo-Asian people we met, could not have been any more inviting and welcoming. Were their already many Kerry supporters among those we met? You Bet! Yet, the Kerry Campaign wanted to acknowledge their support and schedule something on this very important weekend, in which the Statue of Gandhi was unveiled and dedicated.

The words and life of Gandhi were widely praised by all in attendance on Saturday, Oct. 2, including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and many other Democratic State Leaders. For me personally, this day served as a precious reminder of how a man of peace subsequently can influence the world. It also encouraged me to forget "campaign fatigue" and continue to work hard for change when I believe change is necessary.

Continue to Full Story.

Recent trip to MO

2004-10-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

Report from Sue Masten (Springfield IL):

I had the pleasure to meet Jack Ryan who had wonderful news to share:

Apparently there is a friendly challenge going on with "Travelers" between states. Missouri won this past week with 54,000 contacts, ousting Ohio. These two states have been playing the ol' tug of war game as to who could make the most contacts - till now Ohio has edged out Missouri, but not so this past week. Way to go Missouri!!

Dick Durbin was in the Maywood office this past Friday afternoon and indicated that Missouri was a "winnable" state. Jack reiterated that 2 new offices sites were opened in the St Louis area and 20 paid staffers were added as well.

IL travelers news. Today, October 2 there were 6 of us who braved the early hours and met in Maywood by 9:30 am. They were Alecia, husband and daughter Sherry, Randall Abbott, John Doellman and Sue Masten. There are 2/3 slated to go tomorrow.

The IL group was asked to canvass some outlining areas (about 10 - 15 miles from the office) since these areas were hard to reach. My son and I canvassed 2 complete subdivision! Needless to say -- there was lots of walking, but we had the extreme pleasure of meeting some very supportive Kerry voters. Of those we spoke to -- again there was easily a 2/1 ratio for Kerry. One young family saw us coming up their walk and asked "Hey! Are you Kerry workers - cause if you're not, you have to leave - right now?" Although said in jest, they were nonetheless very strong Kerry supporters.

News of upcoming events:

St Louis is the hub of activity given the upcoming debate. Jack Ryan reported that Japanese news reporters were already at the office in Maywood this past Thursday and that the office itself is preparing for national news coverage.

There is planned a HUGE rally on Friday to be at Forest Park. Confirmation will be forthcoming -- so stayed turned. Jack states that Kerry's sister will be in the Maywood office on Saturday to thank everyone for their hard work and of course to ask for their continued efforts.

This Saturday, the day following the debate there is planned a HUGE canvasses event. Anyone and everyone is asked to help.

As far as IL volunteers there are so many activities which have been planned in and around IL - that it speaks to the heart of the volunteers!!!

Sue - see you this coming Saturday!!

Over 200 i4k Travelers Head Out to Wisconsin (Sat. 10/2)

2004-10-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

Over 200 eagar and determined Illinois for Kerry Volunteers set out for the Badger State from both Chicago and Evanston. At the assembly point in Chicago (Kerry Campaign HQ--57 W. Grand) both a photographer and a reporter from the Suntimes were there to document the trip.

The reporter basically wanted to know how we felt about going to Wisconin and what the Wisconites felt about us. "Do they mind that you're from Illinois," the reporter asked me.

"If the tables were turned," I replied, "and we were in their place, I'd hope they'd do the same thing for us."

The Suntimes reporter seemed to get the point. [LEO 10/3: See Suntimes article].

Volunteers fanned out in Waukesha and Milwaukee. By now, it's a happy and necessary weekly ritual for many of us. In both towns we were doing "voter ID" or in other words finding out who was likely to vote for John Kerry. This vital information will go into lists that the local Dems will then use come election day to "knock and drag" people to the polls.

As far as reaction from the locals was concerned, it's obvious that we are in a post-debate period. One woman in Milwaukee who said she had been leaning toward Bush was now thinking about voting for Kerry. Why? Because of the debate and how well Kerry did in it.

The woman, a mother of two boys, joked about her kids who went to private school. They had warned her not to come out and talk with us Kerry Volunteers. Kerry was bad, the two young boys had told her because he was "going to do away with their recess!"

Doing away with recess! That's a big issue when you're eight or nine years old. I told the mother that one of the reasons to vote for Kerry was that we didn't want a country where elections were being fought out by scaring little boys about their recess. I added that she could reassure the boys that Kerry was a far better sportsman than Dubya ever was and that recess would be a whole lot funner in the coming Kerry Administration. As we walked away, I gave her a couple of Kerry-Edward badges and urged her to vote for our candidate -- we just can't go through another four years, I told her, like the last four years.

These are the kind of encounters we're having throughout the State of Wisconsin -- as well as in Iowa, Missouri and soon, Michigan and Ohio. Coming back again and again on the weekend is how we're going to win all these states for the Big Blue!

There are a number of ways to participate. First, is to come along with us. Visit the Events Page for times, places and contact information for our trips. Second, come to the Campaign Office in Chicago and now in Evanston for phonebanking (evenings, Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun) and call the Battleground States from here. And third make a contribution using the contribution form available online.

Go to Photo Gallery.

Packed Frankie Z's Watches Kerry Floor Bush

2004-09-30T23:10:00.000-05:00

This wasn't even close. Finally some guy got up and told Bush just what kind of job he was doing. For four long years the media has been too afraid to ask the tough questions. Finally someone spoke out. It was Kerry and he floored Bush.

We saw the debate at Frankie Z's. The place was packed. There were between 150-200 people. Regulars said they couldn't remember when so many people came. All the chairs were taken. Many people were standing. Several were sitting on the floor in front of the big-screen monitor.

This was an event for all of us to remember. People had a good time. We raised some much needed cash for the Battleground state fund. We told people about all the events taking place here in Illinois and in Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan. People were able to see for the first time a head-to-head confrontation between the miserable failure that is George Bush and someone who's going to be the next President of the United States.

Note, this was a joint event. In addition to all the volunteers, we had almost the entire staff of the Kerry for President Campaign -- including State Director Avis LaVelle and Finance Director Helen Marieskind. We joined together to watch our guy do a truly phenomenal job.

Thanks to everyone who came -- thanks also to waitstaff at Frankie Z's, Jen & Megan, as well as to Frankie himself. Wow! I'm speechless.

Go to Photo Gallery.

Dabate on the Debate Round One: Coral Gables, FL.

2004-09-30T14:43:00.000-05:00

Does anyone have an opinion on this Debate? What do you think of the build up? Is it 'make or break'? What do you think of the way it was organized? Are there too many rules? Is our guy going to show his stuff and trounce Bush? What does it all mean?

If you've got an opinion, please leave your comment here!

Hard Work Being Done in MO

2004-09-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

Report from Sue Masten (Springfield IL):

Phone banks and Canvassing Success!

This week 16,000 contacts were made -- that is 6,000 more than last week. 1,000 people were met at their doors and the ratio is still 2/1 Kerry!!!

Just think how many more people we can reach if we had more to help with canvassing? Phones calls are equally as important, so those who want to help, but feel that canvassing is too much, considering phone banking.

Jack Ryan -- who is in charge of Travelers in MO -- has made a special plea asking for our help Oct 2. He wants to show a strong support in MO following the first debate. A huge canvass effort is going to be made. Canvass times 9:30 am and 1pm on Saturday and 12:30 pm on Sunday.

When asked how things were going (since I noticed some nitwit new cast had painted MO in red) he said actually,"You should know the National Champaign is sending us 20 more staffers -- that makes about 60 staffers in the St Louis area!! Now I have to say, if MO is/was a no possible win, would the National Champaign be sending 20 more staffers! No, No way!

2 more staff offices open this week in MO making 23 staff offices now in operation in MO. To bring this home - Al Gore had a total of 9 offices in MO. Again -- Kerry has NOT given up on MO and MO has not given up on Kerry!!!!

Jack also mentioned that a few weeks out in Iowa, they had Kerry down by 34 points and he won. SO ..... lets go!

Jack was impressed at the number of IL volunteers that have shown up to work thus far, two weekends ago a group went to Kirkwood to help there. He said that each weekends - and for quite some time -- their interest is going to be working with the undecided voters.

Another stat: Gore lost MP by 75,000 votes ( 3%) We need to up the voting numbers to 90,000 NEW voters for Kerry. With the National Champaign sending 20 new staffers they strongly believe it is possible. So do I.

Note: Contact Jack Ryan for information on Illinois for Kerry Travel to Missouri.

Illinois Canvassers Blanket Wisconsin!

2004-09-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

i4k had another excellent showing in Wisconsin this Saturday. Over 140 volunteers were sent out to canvass largely democratic wards in Beloit and Madison, trying to induce Kerry supporters to vote absentee. This helps the campaign in three ways: it puts the votes of some supporters in the bank before election day (even the strongest supporters can't be counted on for 100% turnout!), it shortens the lines at the polls and hopefully thus encourages more people to vote, and it makes our massive election day GOTV drives simpler and more effective.

In 2000, it was the absentee vote that put Al Gore over the top in Iowa -- if we work hard enough, we might see the same phenomenon in Wisconsin this year!

On September 25, we collected 821 absentee ballots. Can you help us make sure to pick up over 1,000 next Saturday?

This work is so important to keep the pressure up on the Bush campaign. We have to continue to outwork them. The Wisconsin Team Kerry is looking to us to be their clean-up hitters and to go where the campaign has the greatest need. We have to continue to fill the buses and add more. Wisconsin will turn on who wins the ground war.

Please consider answering the call and going to Wisconsin this weekend on Saturday the 25th. RSVP to the John Kerry Volunteer center or e-mail NIKerryTravelers@yahoo.com.

Go to Photo Gallery.

Meetup at Rockwells -- Lincoln Square (9/23)

2004-09-24T21:25:00.000-05:00

Report from Dan Pawlus

I wanted to relay to you that we had a great meetup
in Lincoln Square tonight! There were about 25 in attendance and all interested and engaged. The venue, Rockwells, was a very good choice and co-host Annalisa Lunn did an amazing job of rallying her troops to attend, sign up for Outreach and other volunteer efforts and contribute funds for Wisconsin towards a bus!! We kept it pretty simple and focused on the Kerry Travelers, Frankie Z's and of course the i4k Basic flyer. We also had Clark McCain, from the letterwriting team, present to speak.

The mood of the attendees was as to be expected. There is a palpable feeling that IT'S TIME to turn up the heat and make it happen. People are interested and willing to help in Wisconsin. I'm very much looking forward to the debate next week (at Frankie Z's).

Meetup at Goose Island (9/23)

2004-09-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

Report from Josh Lange:

Last night's Kerry Meetup was good. We didn't have as big of a cut in our attendance despite the Meetup.com's website overhaul. Co-host Kathy Karsten and I hosted about 25 people, and some came up to me afterwards and said they liked the size, so maybe the turnout was for the best.

Lots of newcomers, which was inspiring, and Joel Colon, Afghan veteran and speaker's bureau member, was there to talk about a protest of John O'Neil (of Swift Boat Veterans for "Truth"). They're going to bring a bunch of National Guard applications and hand them out to anyone who is rabidly pro-Bush at the O'Neil lunch. (Write
webmaster@chicagolandforkerry.com to get more information on this.)

Goose Island, the brewery where we had our Meetup, had an interesting contest going on: they brewed a Bush beer and a Kerry beer and they were tallying the number of orders and posting them by the entrance

As you can see, Kerry's doing well.

JK Volunteer Phone Bank in Evanston

2004-09-24T09:51:00.000-05:00

Scott Larson has been leading the effort on the Northside and North Suburban to phone bank to two thousand John Kerry volunteers in this area. They are really getting people engaged and keeping the volunteers informed of all the opportunities out there to make a difference. Great Job Team Kerry!

Report from Scott:

On Wednesday, September 22 we made 450 phone calls to different Kerry supporters in the northern suburbs from the DPOE office. We had 12 volunteers working the phones, the majority of which volunteered not only their time, but also their cell phones to the endeavor. They all did a really great job!

The response was fantastic! We recruited lots of volunteers for the Wisconsin bus trip, and for swing-state phonebanking. Everybody was really excited about helping and the office buzz was unbelievable! The majority of the folks that we were calling were not home and we left messages for them. It's important that we talk to these people personally, so we will continue making calls right up to election day.

If you would like to help out with JK volunteer phone banking efforts, they meet every Wednesday night in the Democratic Party of Evanston office. Please rsvp to 847-491-0865.

Sen. Joe Biden Speaks at IL 9th Congressional District's "Vote 2004" Rally

2004-09-23T22:22:00.000-05:00

Report by Sue Schell:

Congresswoman Schakowsky's, Congressional District "Vote 2004" Rally was a day of inspiration for a huge crowd in attendance at the Doubletree Hotel in Skokie on Sunday, September 19.

Hotel management had to keep adding more and more chairs, as the room filled to capacity to hear speeches from Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Ninth Congressional District State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg and State Representative Julie Hamos, and other Democratic State Leaders.

Congresswoman Schakowsky's, Congressional District "Vote 2004" Rally was a day of inspiration for a huge crowd in attendance at the Doubletree Hotel in Skokie on Sunday, September 19.

Hotel management had to keep adding more and more chairs, as the room filled to capacity to hear speeches from Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Ninth Congressional District State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg and State Representative Julie Hamos, and other Democratic State Leaders.

Biden on Bush's Mistakes

Senator Biden's speech was stirring to all in the room as he described the mistakes committed by the Bush Administration. He faulted the administration for running a destructive presidential campaign, designed to destroy rather than defeat an opponent.

He challenged why the Bush administration divides rather than unites people. Senator Biden, further described the irresponsibility of President Bush, who he claims squandered and damaged the reputation of the U.S. throughout the world, resulting in a major dilemma for the next President, no matter who wins election in 2004.

Biden on Kerry's Advantages

Senator Biden continued by explaining that Senator Kerry understands the ultimate significance and pain of going to war. Especially, a war in which we did not have the United Nations consensus.

Having known Senator Kerry for over 30 years, Senator Biden spoke about his strong ideology and ability to act on the strength of his convictions. He said that Senator Kerry truly is a man with an ideology. He does not just "have ideas" like President Bush. Senator Biden also emphasized that Kerry, who is a thoughtful student of history, would not just rely on the U.S.'s ability to "bully" because of its military strength. He asserted that the U.S. needs someone who will listen to input from our allies and win their support, before moving in new directions, especially when it involves going into war.

Go to Full Story.

Go to Photo Gallery.

You can Blog and Canvass Too!

2004-09-22T18:39:00.000-05:00

Local blogger, Cynical from Fresh Paint, is also an I4K Canvasser to Wisconsin for some fun reading check out her interesting blog from Beloit. Go Cynthia!

Also, there is an interesting article in the Trib today about how important absentee ballots will be this eelction.

i4k Travelers Blitz Milwaukee

2004-09-19T21:09:00.000-05:00

Another great job by i4k volunteers in canvassing Milwaukee this weekend. Over 110 volunteers turned up to canvass largely democratic wards in the city in search of voters who would like to vote absentee. Volunteers also distributed window signs, buttons, literature and bumper stickers. Hundreds of applications for absentee ballots were collected and returned to a beaming Wisconsin staff. Absentee ballots help the campaign in several ways; makes sure people vote, reduces lines in the polls so we don’t lose people who get tired of waiting, and gives us less people to pick up and take to the polls on Election Day thereby making us more effective.

In 2000, George Bush won the Election Day voting in Iowa. However, Al Gore won the state because of absentee ballots.

This work is so important to keep the pressure up on the Bush campaign. We have to continue to outwork them. The Wisconsin Team Kerry is looking to us to be their clean-up hitters and to go where the campaign has the greatest need. We have to continue to fill the buses and add more. Wisconsin will turn on who wins the ground war.

Please consider answering the call and going to Wisconsin this weekend on Saturday the 25th. RSVP to the John Kerry Volunteer center at or e-mail NIKerryTravelers@yahoo.com.

A Word on Polls

2004-09-19T01:03:00.000-05:00

I ran into a reporter/columnist for the SunTimes and she recommended that I look up the "bad news" on the front page of the New York Times.

She said this in reference to the latest CBS/NYT Poll which found that Dubya "has an eight-point lead among registered voters".

As usual for a reporter/columnist for the SunTimes, her viewpoint lacked any context. Indeed, I hear a lot of people -- many supporting Kerry -- who look at these polls and are positively freaked out. This may not be such a bad reaction in the long run -- if it encourages Kerry supporters to do more to help the candidate.

On the other hand, I think: well, what did people expect? Did people expect that Kerry would maintain a comfortable lead all the way from Boston to the general election in November? When have things gone that way in recent history?

This was going to be close. We all knew that. What does 'close' mean? It means Bush may very well appear to be leading for much of the way. This was the case in 2000. Almost every poll indicated that Bush was more popular than Gore. Yet it turns out, as we all know, that Gore actually won the popular vote.

So much for polls. To make matters worse, there's the filter the Media applies to our candidate which is rarely favorable.

What they report -- including these polls -- is chronically slanted to the current incumbent. When Bush leads by 5 percent, it's "Bush Widens Lead"; When Kerry leads by 5 percent, it's "Election Still Too Close to Call".

So what else is new? We're got a challenging environment where we nonetheless have to push our candidate over the top. The polls overestimate the number of Republicans who are going to vote and underestimate the number of Democrats. For a great analysis of this bias see Donkey Rising or MyDD.

Far more than polls, what we need is a little perspective. We don't need many more people than what we had in 2000. So what do we have? People who went for Gore in 2000 aren't likely to go for Bush in 2004 -- based on Bush's spectacular record of failure in the past 4 years. So we've got those. Then, based again on this record, when we look around, we've got those and then some. It's only natural. And that's all the difference.

Road Trip to Iowa

2004-09-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

Report from Nora Rowley:

I returned, for 4 days, to Davenport for the first time since Kerry's build up to the caucus.

I was certified as an Absentee Ballot Courier. This is as part of the Iowa Dem. Parties GOTV initiative to get Dems that have not voted in all the past elections to vote. As the couriers collect absentee ballots, those voters will be marked off the absentee ballot voters list and anyone left the last week before the election will be contacted to get their absentee ballot sent in or picked up by our courier.

The voters in Iowa have the same concerns as anyone else, including that lack of unbiased substantive Media coverage. There are a higher percentage of gun militants for Bush there.

It was great to return to Mary Sue's Cafe where Kerry held a round table luncheon discussion about jobs before the caucus. Mary Sue waits on every table herself and is an avid Kerry supporter/Bush hater.

There is a dedicated group of Western Ill. Univ. students that help out every evening and weekend with canvassing.

This last trip, in addition to the courier training, I did office work, phone banking to get Dems to vote absentee and polling (Kerry is up in the Davenport area) as well as data entry.

This next trip I'll be bringing more yard signs and buttons and will stay with an older couple who are great Kerry supporters.

Message From RTV Wisconsin Coordinator

2004-09-14T17:18:00.000-05:00

Alex Addressing Chicago Volunteers in WI

Illinois for Kerry Volunteers,

Thank you for being a part of the Road Trip to Victory program! Your help is critical to win this election. On September 12th Wisconsin welcomed 130 Illinois citizens in our towns and cities to further help our efforts to take back the White House. We thank you for your time and commitment and invite you to rejoin us in the future, whether its for a day, a weekend or a week, all your help is appreciated.

John Kerry and John Edwards want to make us stronger in America and respected in the world, but they can only do that with your help. Al Gore won Wisconsin by only 5,000 votes in 2000 and polls suggest the Presidential election may be even closer this time around. Republicans have targeted Wisconsin with millions of dollars in negative TV and Radio ads already and will stop at nothing to take the election. Wisconsin, which has 11 electoral votes, will be critical to John Kerry’s chances of garnering the 271 electoral votes he needs to be elected President.

As you can see, Wisconsin is among the three or four most hotly contested swing states, and John Kerry needs your help to win here and participation will help determine the outcome of this election. By traveling here to volunteer your time and energy, you are making an invaluable contribution to our victory on November 2nd. John Kerry, John Edwards, Chairman McAuliffe, and the entire Democratic ticket thank you and appreciate everything you are doing for this campaign.

Your unique ability to speak directly to voters through various methods of voter contact including going door-to-door and making phone calls is the only way we can win!!!

Alexandra Simbana
Road Trip to Victory - Wisconsin Coordinator

House Parties for Wisconsin Needed!

2004-09-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

This election is, likely, the most important presidential race we will see in our lifetime! Wisconsin is a critical state for John Kerry to win - those 10 electoral votes could turn the tide in this election! On Sunday, Sept 12, Chicagoland for Kerry sent two buses and a caravan of cars to Wisconsin. We hit the ground running in Janesville, Beloit and Milwaukee. We canvassed hundreds of Wisconsin voters and gave the Democratic Party of Wisconsin a fresh boost of energy for the home stretch! Those buses were flying, powered by the spirit and enthusiasm of the 150 volunteers who went! By the way, it takes a good deal of money, as well!

There are a million worthy causes crying for our attention and for our money right now but we've got to stay focused on our priorities! We must win Wisconsin! Right now, we are in a strong position for Kerry to win Illinois. Team Kerry Wisconsin is in a dogfight - they've asked for our help and we are compelled to give it to them! Jan Schakowsky was able to fund one of the buses last weekend and the rest of the money came from house parties, given by our wonderful volunteer hosts. Each bus costs a minimum of $500 a day - as we reach farther north, there will be overnights and significant additional expenses.

A House Party to benefit the Democratic Party of Wisconsin/Chicagoland for Kerry Unity fund is the single most effective way to raise money and to recruit new volunteers. House Parties are fun and they're easy! Set a date and time, and invite everyone you ever met! We'll provide sample invitations, ideas, and hand-holding if you need it! We have buttons and bumper stickers and we'll send a speaker if you want! If you have 5 guests or 500, pick a date and email Sharon Sikes, sharonsikes@yahoo.com. Sharon's coordinating the parties for the DPW Unity Fund - she'll make sure you have everything you need to raise money and to experience that incredible energy that comes when friends come together in a common cause.

Now is a critical time to step forward and put John Kerry and John Edwards where they belong - in The White House!

One Volunteer Canvasser Makes a Difference

2004-09-14T06:44:00.000-05:00

Wendy Abrams, one of the ChicagolandforKerry volunteers who canvassed Wisconsin, found out why cavassing is so important and writes to tell others to pass it on.

If you ever asked "What can I do? Does it really make a difference?" I firmly believe the ONLY way to win an election is for people at the grassroots level to get involved, get out there and talk to people on a personal basis.

Yesterday, I spent the day in Wisconsin canvassing for Kerry. Among the people I spoke with was a 62 year old "undecided" vet, who was against the war and deeply troubled by the deficit. As our conversation progressed, it was clear to me that he was at odds with Bush on almost every issue. So I told him how important it is that he is in the "definitely Kerry" camp, and if he has any issues he's unconvinced about he should contact me; and I gave him my email address. When I returned home several hours later, I got a long email from him, which started by his thanking me and saying while he had several Republican mailings and Republican polls asking his opinion, I was the first person from the Democratic party to contact him. It was if he didn't consider himself a "Democrat" because he hadn't been personally "invited to the party".

I'm mentioning this because it completely changed my perspective on canvassing and phone-banking. While I thought it was important from the campaign perspective, I must admit, I felt a bit hesitant to be imposing on people's free time at home. What I found from this man was that there are many people out there who are not only willing to talk- they are eager to have the opportunity to express their views and feel that they are being heard. They want to be acknowledged by the Democratic party. They need a personal connection.

If you spent the next 50 days, calling 12 people each day- you would reach more people than the 572 in Florida who decided the 2000 election. And if you pass this message along to 10 people who pass it along to ten people...

Illinois for Kerry Meetings Held Throughout State

2004-09-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

Seasoned Volunteers together with Campaign staff led by State Director, Avis LaVelle, fanned out across the State of Illinois on both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12. The goal was to rev up activities in Springfield, Rockford, Rock Island, East Metro, Peoria and Champaign.

The meetings resembled Meetups with break-out sessions on house parties, voter registration, phone-banking and travelling to battleground States.

In many places, these activities were already well underway. This gave the visitors much encouragement. Even in places where things were just getting started, people were determined to do all they could to make sure that John Kerry gets elected.

John Kerry Visibility Day

2004-09-11T02:56:00.000-05:00

Report from Peter Norman:

John Kerry Visibility Day. Friday, September 10, eighty volunteers fanned out to over fifty CTA and Metra train stations all across Chicagoland and greeted early morning commuters. We showed our support for John Kerry by passing out stickers and "how to get involved" flyers and signed-up new volunteers to help with the campaign.

Overall, the response was great and it was a fun, positive event. Special kudos to those that worked the traditionally Republican areas and to those that endured grumpy or hot-headed Bush supporters.

Thanks so much to Peter for spearheading this important effort. What a great showing of letting folks know we aren't taking this state for granted.

C4K Outreach to a Critical Community

2004-09-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the volunteers worked the Islamic Society of North America convention in Rosemont Sunday. The response from the community was overwhelming as hundreds of "Muslim for Kerry" buttons were handed out and gladly displayed. Between the buttons and stickers given out over 25% of the crowd was wearing the Kerry blue resulting in a fantastic display of visibility.

A stroll through the parking lot showed how many "out of town" convention goers where from battleground states. After Illinois, a significant minority of the cars was from the battleground states of Wisconsin and Michigan. The convention even made national news as the Republican's brought in a life-size cutout of Bush that was not warmly received. These same Republicans used their typical voter suppression tactics by trying to smear Kerry by handing out pins saying John Kerry "wrote the Patriotic Act" and other lies. Fortunately, most people came over to the Kerry booth to get the truth.

Congratulations and thanks to Asim Mohammad, who was a one-man show! For those who don't know Asim, he has been one of the main organizers for Kerry in DuPage County since before the primaries. Asim tirelessly organized the event this weekend, got the booth, got the attention of the national campaign and pulled together the resources needed to reach out to this important community. It is conceivable the Muslim vote could not only hand John Kerry, Michigan, but also Florida.

ISNA Convention in Rosemont

Kerry 'Solidarity' Night in Evanston

2004-09-04T11:02:00.000-05:00

9th Congressional District State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg Speaks to Crowd

Report from Susan Schell:

Speaking in a heartfelt manner to a crowd of at least 106 people (although, there could have been a few who slipped in without signing up!) that gathered at the Firehouse Grill in Evanston on Thursday night, for a "Kerry Solidarity Night," State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg delivered an optimistic talk to the crowd regarding the importance of the upcoming election and the importance of Democrats' reclaiming, not only the Presidency, but also Congress.

Kerry Solidarity Night, was an effort to bring our volunteers together to watch in "solidarity" the last night of the convention, as we listened to the Republicans anoint their war president and continue to wrongly link the war in Iraq to the war on terrorism.

At 9 p.m., everyone watched one of two televisions tuned to C-Span and silence fell over the room. People wanted to hear what President Bush was going to say. Then, the quips and wisecracks began. Whenever a false or misleading statement was heard, someone in the room would retort with an uproariously snappy comment. Luckily, the TVs were set for the hearing impaired, so if you couldn't hear the volume over the laughter, you could still read what was being said. This pretty well describes the reception President Bush’s speech received at the Firehouse Grill. After speaking for nearly 70 minutes, many of us began complaining that it felt as if our faces were about to fall off from all of the laughing. Watching this type of Convention with like-minded people, needless to say, is highly recommended.

Earlier in the evening, Daniel Dennison also presented additional information about volunteering to travel to Wisconsin and explained to the crowd that during the remaining weeks of this campaign, we must all dig deep to find the energy that we started with, and then some.

This event attracted some first-time visitors, people signing up to go to Wisconsin and additional people joining our Illinois Ninth Congressional District Volunteer Kerry Media Corps.

It was a great night for building committed workers for our Party's upcoming efforts!

Scheese, I can write a better right-wing speech than that...

2004-09-03T01:12:00.000-05:00

Was it just me or did the Bush speech just seem to go on and on? This was supposed to be the centerpiece of the whole 3-day hateathon? This?

And all the attacks on Kerry -- what's that supposed to be about? After bankrupting the country, ruining the military, destroying our reputation with the rest of the world, Bush & Co. are certainly in no position to lecture Kerry on anything.

Kerry says it best:

You all saw the anger and distortion of the Republican Convention. For the past week, they attacked my patriotism and my fitness to serve as Commander-in-chief. Well, here's my answer. I will not have my commitment to defend this country questioned by those who refused to serve when they could have and by those who have misled the nation into Iraq.

I say it's time we gave the Republicans a licking like they've never seen.

Read the rest of Kerry's speech.

Bucktown Arts Fest

2004-08-31T11:29:00.000-05:00

Bucktown Arts Festival

Report From Peter Norman on the Bucktown Arts Fest:

The response to our Kerry-Edwards table this weekend at the Bucktown Arts Fest was fantastic. Twenty-eight volunteers passed out hundreds of stickers, 80+ yard signs, 350+ buttons, and 50+ bumper stickers on Saturday and Sunday. People from far away as Orange County, CA, and Kansas were excited to get Kerry gear and looked forward to wearing and displaying it proudly.

We also registered over 210 people to vote – a truly inspiring sight – and signed-up many new volunteers.

Mainly, we had a lot of fun talking with supporters, well-wishers, and even the occasional Republican.

[From Peter Norman, 9th CD Co-Meetup Chair]

Illinois for Kerry Organizers visit Carbondale/SIU

2004-08-30T12:32:00.000-05:00

Chicagoland for Kerry

Illinois for Kerry organizers Dan Dennision, Leo Klein and Nate Zeke descended upon Carbondale Saturday to help the Kerry Campaign with its first official State Campaign Kick-Off at Southern Illinois University. Their mission was to introduce identified Kerry volunteers in Southern Illinois to a grassroots action plan for involvement in their own communities. Dan Dennision gave a stellar presentation detailing how volunteers could coordinate their own events and organization to help John Kerry win in November and shared some successful grassroots efforts in the 9th CD using these methods. Dan, Leo and Nathan then aided Tammy, Rob and Will from the campaign staff in leading break-out sessions focused on getting the Southern Illinois Volunteers started on their own houseparties, trips to other states, phonebanking and voter registration efforts.

After the successful campaign launch Dan, Leo and Nate networked with local Kerry volunteers, supporters and staff in an effort to further advance the Illinois Kerry campaign's efforts throughout the state. On the way out of town the three organizers ran into an anti-Bush rally and, after passing out buttons and rally signs to the protesters, turned it into a pro-Kerry rally! Southern Illinois is on the roll and will be integral in getting out the vote in that part of the state as well as across the border in Missouri.

Thursday's Meetup at Fitzgerald’s (Berwyn) -- 8/26

2004-08-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

Report from Patty Reilly-Murphy:

We had 48 people at our meetup at FitzGerald's last night and raised $1,800 for the DNC-which I thought was great. I ordered several buttons, yard signs and bumper stickers and those sold well.

I thought the Wisconsin info was very well received but I thought we needed somebody there who could answer people's questions. One gentleman was the head of the West Suburban Democrats and he was asking about Congressional Districts, etc. Also, there were voter registration/absentee questions we couldn't answer so just directed them to the Board of Elections...

The crowd in general was over 45 with a lot of retired people who've been involved in liberal causes for years-although we also had many first-timers.

[From Patty Reilly-Murphy, Fitzgerald’s (Berwyn) Meetup Leader.]

Thursday's Meetup at Negro League Café (South Side) -- 8/26

2004-08-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

Report from Dan Pawlus:

We had a pretty good showing at the Negro League Cafe tonight. I've got sign up sheets with about 15 names of good people ready and willing to get involved. (Illinois staff members) Avis LaVelle and Tammy Fagen stopped by and we also had Rikki Jones, African Outreach Coordinator and Mildred Logan from Rainbow Push to register voters. Avis gave a great speech on how we can make this happen at the grassroots level. Lots of talk around mobilizing and getting the word our about voter registration. We also had some interest in swing state outreach. No real donations, but I do have $20 in button sales.

[from Dan Pawlus, Negro League Café (South Side) Meetup Leader].

Thursday's Meetup at Charleston (Bucktown) -- 8/26

2004-08-27T20:46:00.000-05:00

Report from Barbara Coleman:

I thought Bucktown MU was great. I may be a bit predjudiced though! We actually met outside on the street! It was cooler. I don't think anyone minded. We had a lively, yet informal gathering. Kind of like hanging out with friends.

There were about 24 people. We had a lot of new people, everyone seemed to be ready for action and were willing to volunteer. (Outreach members) Brendan and his friend gave a very enthusiastic account of their outreach efforts and motivated people to sign up. (Media leader) Magali Matarazzi came and talked about the Media Corps. As usual she was also fantastic. People also signed up for media/letterwriting. We don't have much time left!

So all in all, I think it went quite well. I gave everyone ‘Join the Fight,’ and passed out quite a few flyers. Over the weekend we are doing VR at the Bucktown Arts Fest.

[from Barbara Coleman, Charleston (Bucktown) Meetup Leader]

Thursday's Meetup at Goose Island (North Side) -- 8/26

2004-08-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

Report from Josh Lange:

Goose Island had about 44 people, and it was probably our most organized one to date. Everyone left with our new Join the Fight informational flyer, and we raised over a hundred dollars selling buttons and bumper stickers. Will from the office told folks about volunteer opportunities, and we also had representatives for the Media and Voter Registration teams, who did some recruiting of their own. After an hour and fifteen minutes, we let people go if they wanted and handled questions from the attendees.

[from Josh Lange, Meetup Director and Goose Island (North Side) Meetup Leader.]

Thursday's Meetup at Cobb Hall (Hyde Park) -- 8/26

2004-08-27T20:03:00.000-05:00

Report from Tanya Baker:

Hi!

We had a wonderful meet-up in Hyde Park. 29 people were in attendance -- 20 of which are new to our group! Yay! Many thanks again to Heather Afra, Jo Thompson and Sheila Hori for distributing flyers and to all of you for helping to get the word out.

We were able to raise $98 (awesome!) which will go directly to ordering Kerry/Edwards buttons, stickers and yard signs to distribute here in our neighborhood and on campus. THANK YOU! These supplies are very much needed for our upcoming events. If you were unable to attend, we will still readily accept more donations for our supply fund.

At the U of C, O-week is rapidly approaching -- it begins on Saturday, Sept. 18! Check out the schedule here. We have yet to plan any detailed events on campus for this week, but keep your calendars clear because we will need your help with a lot of voter registration as well visibility/tabling for Kerry to recruit the incoming students, both graduate and undergraduate, to join our Kerry team.

We can recruit these newbies right away to join us out in the city for some of our fun summer festival events. Brian, one of our Kerry campus coordinators, will be back in town on September 14, so we eagerly await his leadership for our O-week campus efforts. Please send him an email if you have specific ideas for what we need to do. Megan, Emily and Erik are working hard at planning a VR strategy for campus, and they will post events to our list as they are planned.

Nathan Zeke led our meet-up, going over the many ways to get involved in the campaign, while cookies, chips and sodas were served. Please continue to check regularly www.chicagolandforkerry.com for upcoming events, including visibility (please set aside Sept. 10 for a huge city-wide Kerry day -- we'll need your help!), VR, and traveling to swing states, and for support for your letter writing/media response efforts -- we need your help to speak up for Kerry in our local papers!

It was decided that we will start meeting informally on Thursdays at 7pm. This is our local Kerry/Edwards supporter social. Come hang out, talk some politics and have fun! Place your vote with me (by Tuesday, Aug. 31) for where it should be: Bar Louie, Jimmy's or Lucky Strike. We'll start next Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7PM -- please vote for where you'd like it to be!

Eric Rogers talked about his house party on Sunday August 29th, 2004 at 4:30 PM (more info). Please support this excellent fundraising effort!

Thank you Eric for doing this! Please continue to try to raise $$ for a big Dem win in November. You can easily set up a house party of your own using the Kerry Volunteer Center of which all of you should be a member by now. Let me know if you need any assistance with this. Donations to the DNC can still be made online on the JohnKerry.com Contribution Page.

The Dobry's guided us through the steps we need to take to have effective voter registration by October 5th and GOTV mobilization on election day in our own neighborhood. We are fortunate to have them join our group and help lead our neighborhood VR and GOTV efforts.

Welcome, Alan and Lois Dobry!

John Moore took our group picture =) We hope to have it up online soon.

Finally, we broke up into small groups to discuss various aspects of involvement, with John Moore leading the discussion on visibility, Daniel Biss discussing swing state phonebanking and canvassing, the Dobry's discussing voter registration and GOTV, and Nate Zeke discussing media outreach, while I encouraged everyone to take with them fun Kerry souvenirs from the Democratic convention. Please post to the list any events organized or decisions that were made as a result of these group discussions!

Unfortunately, our featured guest was unable to attend. Avis LaVelle got tied up (she is a busy woman!), and we forgive her because she is doing such a phenomenal job at the challenging task of leading and organizing this campaign statewide. We have her to thank for the great new campaign office downtown at which you are all welcome and invited to help out. We hope to have her visit our campus in the future, though, as her schedule permits.

Our next meet-up will be on Thursday, September 23 at 7PM again at Cobb Hall room 103. Please mark your calendars!

Thanks again to all of you for being so involved! With your help we are going to have a big Kerry/Edwards victory!!!

TGIF!
Tanya

[from Tanya Baker, Cobb Hall (Hyde Park) Meetup Leader]

Peter, Paul and Mary at Ravinia

2004-08-27T11:54:00.000-05:00

9th and 10th for Kerry

Last weekend, Kerry volunteers from the 9th Congressional attended a Peter, Paul and Mary concert at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park. A special thanks goes out to John Urban for organizing the event and putting together a great night of socializing, music and fun. Volunteer even lucked into tickets to watch the show up close under the canopy. We also meet a nice veteran from Milwaukee who had just spent time campaigning with Max Cleland and saw our Kerry T-shirts.

In a special surprise, volunteers from the 10th Kerry group were also in attendance. Both groups chatted and posed for picture together. We are keeping this state bright blue on election night!

Joke of the Day

2004-08-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

What we are all working for!!!

One sunny day in 2005, a WWII veteran wearing a VFW hat approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue, where he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Bush."

The Marine replied, "Sir, Mr. Bush is not President and doesn't reside here." The old man said, "Okay," and walked away.

The following day, the man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Bush." The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Bush is not President and doesn't reside here." The older man thanked him and again walked away.

The third day, the same veteran approached the White House and spoke to the very same Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President Bush." The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Bush. I've told you already that Mr. Bush is not the President and doesn't reside here. Don't you understand?"

The older veteran answered, "Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it."

The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow."

Evanston Meetup Continues to Grow

2004-08-27T10:33:00.000-05:00

Report from Susan Schell:

THE AUGUST 26 EVANSTON MEETUP CONTINUES TO GROW & GROW WITH ADDITIONAL KERRY VOLUNTEERS

Evanston had a pretty full house at our Kerry Meetup last night and most of the faces were of new people in the crowd. Many of our regulars have moved on to spread the word out west (suburbs, that is).

Robin Trilling, the host, would know the final attendance count, so anyone wanting to know should email her. I'm happy to report that I, as the Volunteer Director of the Illinois 9th CD for John Kerry, had 18 new Media Corps. people sign up for our group, which now stands at 170 people. Many of these new people had Iowa, Wisconsin and Ohio roots, so you know I'm encouraging them to contact their local media, outlets that they grew up with.

We also covered the topic of blogging and our planned Blogging Blitz for next week during the Republican Convention. I provided, by email, a list of which sites to use during the Convention, courtesy of CyberJournalist.net. If anyone would like my List of Blogging Sites, just let me know.

I'm also happy to report that we were able to assist our local Democratic Office in Evanston by successfully recruiting lots of new people to help out on election day in the 9th CD.

Our speaker for the night, State Rep Julie Hamos, as usual, did a great inspirational job at kicking off the night. She held up a copy of the recent Electoral Vote Predictor, which now shows Kerry having lost some ground over the last week, which came as no surprise to anyone, due to all of the "seeds of doubt" those nasty Republicans, time and time again, successfully plant against their opponents. But, Rep. Hamos encouraged everyone to remain optimistic and to dig in because the race really only starts after Labor Day, when more people really begin paying attention to political affairs and the presidential race.

Our meeting was informative and went smooth. I believe everyone left feeling glad that they had made the effort to come since they had learned something new about the Kerry campaign.

Best,

Sue Schell
Evanston Cub Reporter

What Are We Fighting For? -- One American Veteran's Moving Story

2004-08-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

Joel Colon (Afghan Veteran):

On September 11th, 2001 I saw an attack against the very freedoms I swore to defend. Lives were lost that day which hurt me as if they were my own family. I followed the advice of my commander in chief and displayed my patriotism. I did what I could and even offered to volunteer to deploy to Afghanistan.

Read the complete article.

Air & Water Show - Sat. (8/21)

2004-08-22T23:14:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the thirty-five volunteers from the DuPage and North Suburban groups who worked the Air and Water Show on Saturday. A special thanks goes to veteran John Lee Bingham for organizing the event.

We blanket the show with six teams of four to five volunteers including manning a volunteer control center. Thanks to Adelaide for organizing materials and the "mobile" volunteer center. Volunteers distributed 8 rolls of Kerry/Edwards stickers to thousands of supporters in the crowd as well as signed up hundreds of volunteers to help with the campaign. Veterans Howard and John also signed up many veterans to help out with the cause.

At the most suburban visited festival in Chicago, the strong Kerry visibility and veteran support helped send the message to crowd about Kerry' s strength and vision on issues of national security and the military. – Report from Daniel

Edison Park

2004-08-22T23:11:00.000-05:00

The Park Ridge/Edison Park group is on “fire” for Kerry. What started three moths ago with thirteen people at a Meetup just continues to grow with over 130 people now on their e-mail list. In a Republican area, their efforts are really making a difference.

Sharon Sikes organized the Saturday parade and wrote:

We were small but mighty! A dozen people and 3 dogs marched for Kerry in the parade. We were in the Democratic bloc that included Jan, DeLeo, Clare McWilliams (judge and owner of Elvis the campaign dog) so we looked a bit stronger than we were.

It was a tough crowd but we signed up a few volunteers and met Brian Grady and Bob Kujanpaa who came to work and will continue! Bob's a veteran who's been campaigning since 1948 - he made handmade signs for Truman! He was recovering from injuries and couldn't walk in the parade, but showed up with a lawnchair and planted himself in the middle of a sidewalk in the sun and stickered and talked to people for several hours. Great guy and we have to get him a Veterans for Kerry sign for his window! Sharon

On Sunday, we again worked the festival in Edison Park and signed up over thirty more volunteers and made a strong statement by stickering the crowd with the familiar Kerry blue lapel sticker. Thanks to Sharon McBride who runs the DNC Meetup for helping out plus continuing to pass information on to her group.

Wisc. House Party

2004-08-22T23:06:00.000-05:00

Volunteers Put Accent on New Kerry Office

2004-08-20T23:47:00.000-05:00

The new Kerry for President Office at 57 W. Grand St., 3rd fl. (312-832-0220) got a number of decorative touches from volunteers last week.

Moving in was a team effort with both campaign staff and volunteers helping out. Volunteers found that helping John Kerry also meant helping John Kerry move his office in Illinois. The well-used furniture was carried into the new quarters via U-Haul with Campaign favorite Rob Moon at the wheel.

The new quarters occupy the entire 3rd floor at 57 W. Grand St. They'll serve as a hub both for activities in Illinois and further a field. They represent a clear acknowledgement on the part of the official campaign of Illinois' importance in the coming political battle.

That said, the new office is not simply the center of activity for the official campaign. Rather, they've flug their doors open to us grassroots volunteers, making it as much our "home" as theirs.

If there were ever an indication of the official campaign's openess to our efforts at the grassroots level, surely it's this "Open Door" approach. Compare this with the bunker mentality of the opposition and you'll know why we've got the people, they've got the rhetoric, and why we're going to whup 'em -- provided we all do our part -- come November.

Kerry's Speech at the Fire Fighters' Convention in Boston

2004-08-19T23:31:00.000-05:00

Doesn't Get Any Better Than This:

"...More than thirty years ago, I learned an important lesson -- when you're under attack, the best thing to do is turn your boat into the attacker. That's what I intend to do today."

Read the Whole Speech.

Whirlwind of Festivals over the Weekend

2004-08-17T17:23:00.000-05:00

The Team Kerry was everywhere this weekend! Volunteers worked visibility at three separate festivals and two parades, plus gathered the e-mail addresses of over one hundred new volunteers. Keep up the great work!

9th Annual Korean Festival

2004-08-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

Korean Festival

Does anyone know where I can get some more of those peanut rice crisps? Lots of good ethnic food, sand wrestling, ethnic music and dance, now this is what Chicago is about.

On both Saturday and Sunday, Team Kerry worked the Korean Ethnic festival. Organized by Kerry veteran John Lee Bingham, volunteers reached out to an important ethnic community in Chicago. The reception was warm and generous for Kerry supporters even in a community not being known for being overtly political.

See Photo Gallery.

Indian Independence Parade on Devon

2004-08-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

India Independence Parade

Agggghhhhhh, so close, but yet so far away… Kerry volunteers were too busy blanketing the crowd with the familiar Kerry-Edwards stickers to notice the most reported event of the weekend, “The Obama / Keyes staredown.” At least, Obama came over and shook hands with most of the Kerry supporters who were working the crowd.

And what a fun, large and colorful parade... Even if there is no campaigning, I'll be back next year for the festivities.

In an ethic group where a substantial minority have voted Republican in past years, the enthusiasm for John Kerry’s candidacy was overwhelming. The Kerry stickers were more ubiquitous than Starbucks in downtown Manhattan. It looked like everyone was wearing one.

Volunteers rode a Kerry-Edwards float provided by Harish Bhatt. Other than a wrong turn at the beginning, volunteers had a blast waving and cheering with the crowd. Thanks, Harish!

See Photo Gallery.

Rogers Park Jazz Series

2004-08-16T03:23:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, a big jazz stage in funky Rogers Park with Democrats everywhere, what can you call it, but Kerry’s sweet spot? Over fifteen Kerry volunteers helped out over the course of this weekend with visibility and recruitment of volunteers at the Rogers Park Jazz Fest. Besides being a source of new volunteers, Team Kerry wanted to make sure an area of strong support did not feel neglected. Festival goers were excited to see that so many volunteers were fired up about Kerry.

Thanks to Barb Ebey for organizing and running the Kerry event all weekend. Also, a special thanks to 49th Ward Democratic Committeeman David Fagus and his staff for allowing the Kerry volunteers space in the 49th’s booth.

Collaborative Voter Project

2004-08-16T03:05:00.000-05:00

Lincoln Square was a buzz with creative energy on Saturday. The Collaborative Voter Project sponsored by the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative hosted a great event on Saturday. Workshops for kids, voter registration for grown-ups, free speech T-shirt printing, films, campaign speeches and a dance party were all part of an effort to encourage people to make their voice heard by voting.

A special thanks to Chris Cohen for speaking on behalf of Kerry and for getting the crowd fired up about the upcoming election. A former Chicago alderman Chris has done a great job traveling and speaking for Kerry around the Chicagoland. Also, thanks to Peter Norman for organizing the Kerry booth to make sure volunteers were recruited and Kerry T-shirts, button, signs, bumper stickers were distributed to those who wanted them.

Bud Billiken Parade

2004-08-15T22:34:00.000-05:00

I don't think anyone who participated in the Bud Billiken Parade can say they weren't affected by the event. This major African-American event is one of the largest parades in the nation.

There were hundreds of thousands of spectators, many of them school children, lining both sides of Martin Luther King Dr. The feeling was intense. Around 50 Kerry Volunteers marched down the street, handing out both stickers and Kerry fans.

Among us, was State Director Avis LaVelle together with campaign officials Bill Cunningham and Rob Moon. They helped us so much, first in getting a spot for the volunteers to march (right behind Obama, thank you) and then in organizing both the people and materials.

We marched from 35th St. to the parade's end in Washington Park. All the way, the crowd chanted with determined hands in the air, "no more Bush" and "Kerry, Kerry". It truly was a memorable event -- a wonderful example of official campaign people working together with the Kerry volunteers.

Kerry Volunteers Make a Difference at Chicago's Venetian Night

2004-08-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

In a sure sign that things are heating up, 15 new volunteers showed up at Chicago's famous Venetian Night. They found that through their participation, they can make a significant positive impact on the national election!

In the earlier part of the evening, we were all lined up at the entrance to the event at the Lakefront and Monroe. There we all stood in a line greeting the thousands upon thousands of people flooding in with our Kerry stickers, signs and pins. It truly was a Kerry event.

As any Kerry Volunteer who's been around can tell you, the public is enthusiastically in favor of our guy, John Kerry. Our volunteers at Venetian Night couldn't peel off stickers fast enough. We also had a large number of sign-ups and also general questions from the public -- of all ages, shapes and sizes -- on how to get more involved.

We were scheduled to continue handing out stickers till the fireworks started (9:30pm) but by 8:15 we had already handed out every sticker and pin we had. We gathered all our belongings, everyone grabbed a Kerry sign, and we proceeded to march single file down the Lakefront.

In a city-wide event, you get a broad audience and some in the crowd -- a few -- made it clear that they supported the current miserable failure in the White House. It was good that we encountered this since it reminded us of what we're facing on an even greater scale in the Battleground states. It also reminded us of how essential it is to support our campaign's efforts in those areas!

Of course, at Venetian Night the overwhelming preponderance of support was for John Kerry. People would applaud and clap -- some at a considerable distance -- as we walked by. Cars would honk their horns. It was just like a parade! We went south along the Lakefront almost all the way to Roosevelt, then went back up on the other side. We finished our impromtu parade just in time to pack everything up, take a group shot and watch the fireworks.

I don't think anyone who came and volunteered for this event failed to see how their presence did make a difference -- in favor of getting John Kerry elected president. This was a major event and we had a major impact on it.

Thanks to all.

LEO

See Photo Gallery.

Kerry Volunteers at Fiesta del Sol

2004-08-01T11:14:00.000-05:00

With the familiar "Kerry-Edwards" lapel sticker, Kerry Volunteers greeted people to the famous Fiesta del Sol event on Saturday. Organized by ChicagoforKerry's own Latino Outreach Coordinator, Martin Arteaga, the event attracted a number of new Kerry Volunteers -- many of whom had no problem soliciting support for John Kerry in either English or Spanish.

Whatever the language, all were welcome to help out! Volunteers gave out stickers. They passed out flyers explaining the issues and how to get more involved. A number of volunteers were doing voter registration. We quickly found out -- not that we had many doubts -- that the Spanish-speaking communities are a critical factor in the coming election and that so many of them support John Kerry. It was a great event.

For those interested in getting involved with Latino Outreach, please feel free to contact Martin.

See Photo Gallery.

Big Crowds at Both Frankie Z & Firehouse Grill for Kerry Speech

2004-07-30T19:22:00.000-05:00

Lowdown from Chicago:

60-70 People gathered at Frankie Z's to watch John Kerry accept the nomination as Candidate for President of the United States. Veteran volunteers mixed with Campaign neophytes in both the front room and backroom of this distiguished Chicago location. TV's in the front and back -- including the huge screen in the back -- were all tuned to the proceedings in Boston. It was the perfect environment to watch the event.

Particularly popular with the crowd was the speech by Clark. It drew a lot of applause. Max Cleland's speech also received a warm reception.

Of course, the man of the moment, the person we all came to see, received the longest and most substained applause. A cameraman from ABC/7 was there to document the feelings of the crowd as Kerry began to speak. We leaped to our feet and did so several times as Kerry, through his words and delivery, made it clear why he's the right man for the job -- why he's going to be the next president of the United States.

Thursday night was truly a special volunteer occasion.

Lowdown from Evanston:

Slightly under one hundred excited Kerry volunteers gathered in the "upper room" at the Firehouse Grill including many new faces to hear the last night of the convention. What a barnburner it turned out to be!

Alex and Vanessa Kerry's speeches had people laughing and cheering. When "band of brothers" veteran Jim Wasser of Illinois was announced the crowd cheered loudly. Many of the 4JKB4IA volunteers worked with Jim in Davenport during the primary. (FYI, Jim might be visiting Chicago to help us with the Air and Water show.)

However, the biggest cheer and standing ovation of the night before the acceptance speech was reserved for former Sen. Max Cleland. Max represents the truth about this current administration simply put, there is no lie too big or insidious for this administration when they attempt to hide behind the flag and as they try to strip Americans who don’t agree of their patriotism.

And what can we say about Kerry's speech? He DELIVERED! What a fantastic speech! "I'm John Kerry, and I am reporting for duty" brought people to their feet from the start. He hammered home the message that Democrats are the optimists in this race. You go JK!

See Photo Gallery - Chicago / Photo Gallery - Evanston.

Report from Boston

2004-07-29T22:45:00.000-05:00

From our Correspondent Tanya Baker:

Hey Chicagoland!

Your IL delegates have finally managed to get to a computer over here in Boston. We're getting ready to head over to the convention center for JK's speech on this final big night.

We've got a ton of great pictures that we'll post upon our return (Asim with John Glenn, Tanya with Clark, Gary with Obama, Nora with Teresa, ...). The energy couldn't be higher in this city. We are so ready to win!

Here's a quick wrap up of what we've experienced so far.

Security is real tight, but they're treating us all very well. Walking around the hotels and on the convention floor has been so much fun meeting other great volunteers & Kerry supporters, exchanging stories and buttons. The Democrats are unifying -- it's really great.

LaRouche people have been hounding the Back Bay Hilton where the IL delegates are staying but no one is picking up their "democratic platform" packets. It's exciting to be around so many political bigwigs all of the time. It's quite an experience. The freebies are out of control -- bags, t-shirts, pens, stuffed animals, buttons, cameras, cookies, donkey shaped mac n' cheese, candy bars, hats, ... We're collecting things to bring back to the gang.

Every night they pass out a ton of signs to hype the crowds. We'll be bringing back some of those also to decorate our new office once Avis is able to secure one for us.

We're losing our voices from yelling so much. Our feet and knees are sore from this non-stop fun. This has all been about getting us on the same page, getting energized about our party's ideals and message, focusing on what steps we all need to take to cinch this election. We are way positive and super psyched to win big in November.

One thing is clear, though. Everyone is saying that this is the most important election of their lives. We have got a lot of work to do before November! We all need to deliver the message of John Kerry and John Edwards through our own networks and we have to grow our outreach to spread this message to all of the voters of Illinois one on one. We need to grow the Democratic party! We have to make more Illinois residents voters! We need to reach out to the young voters, to the single women, to the GLBT community, to the African American community, to the hispanic community, to EVERYONE!

Monday
People on the streets were already asking us about Obama -- his reputation was high even before the speech. There was a party for him at the Harvard Faculty center beforehand. Clinton's speech was amazing.

Tuesday
Tuesday was all about IL at the convention. Before the convention started there was a nice reception at the swanky (and expensive! Thanks to Asim's boss!) State Room with live jazz and political shmoozing.

Carol Mosely Braun, Durbin & of course our man Obama brought down the house with his keynote address. The energy truly peaked (madness!) with his amazing delivery. He made us proud. He also made those Obama buttons a hot commodity -- they're worth their weight in gold now. We've been swapping them for all sorts of other great convention memorabilia =) He had a packed hip hop party that night at Vinalia. It was
way crowded, especially around Obama. The buzz around Boston is that he's very presidential (woohoo! GO OBAMA!) Elaina, the kids for Kerry founder, gave an outstanding speech. We have to vote for the kids
because they can't vote but they are our future!

Wednesday
The convention pre-party was at Cheers. We got donkey stuffed animals =) Everyone was on their feet for Sharpton's speech the entire time -- he's the only
speaker so far that has done this. It was amazing. Elizabeth & John Edwards were awesome, too. We got to vote for nominee, too! Yay! Roll call!

When I Say 'O', You Say Obama

2004-07-28T23:58:00.000-05:00

Report from Sue Schell, Evanston’s Cub Reporter:

Approximately 65 people attended a Democratic Convention Party at the Schell house last night to celebrate our party’s attributes and speakers.

Watching the Convention

Everyone in attendance gave all of the speakers shining reviews and often through the night, loud thunderous applause was heard coming from the third floor (for those fortunate enough to find an available seat in the theater room) and the family room, where TVs were set to C-Span.

Throughout the night, I kept hearing from everyone that watching the convention with a crowd of people was much more entertaining and fun, than you sitting at home and watching it alone. The observations and responses to each speaker were always interesting. Sometimes a party guest would make a comment to help clue others into where the speaker was trying to lead the audience. It was fun hearing Bonita point to the Illinois delegation and say, “Isn’t that Alex?” Alternatively, I kept hearing her say, “I think I just saw “Bonnie”.

Then resembling the Boston convention crowd, whenever a speaker said something that we totally related to, we began waving our Kerry/Edwards, and Obama signs.(Speaking of which, if possible, could someone please get us some Teresa Heinz Kerry signs?)

Anyway, just as he was the big hit of the Boston Convention, Barak Obama, was a big hit here, also. What a connection he was able to make with all of us. Someone asked if we thought he had written his speech and without hesitation, many of us responded, yes. Of course, Michelle his wife, I am sure had a little something to do with it, but he carried the night with his incredible intelligence, warmth, and global vision. Someone commented that he had just made Senator Kerry’s job Thursday night a little harder. How could anyone outperform that performance?

see full story.

Comments on the 1st Night of The Convention

2004-07-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

Hey, Mr. & Mrs. Chicagoland,

Leave your comments here. Who'd you like? What speech or comments did you remember? How was the coverage -- was it fair and balanced? Were you with other people? What did they think?

LEO

Visibility Hits Stride in Chicago Over the Weekend

2004-07-25T16:48:00.000-05:00

Eager Kerry volunteers swarmed into two events over the weekend at the Taste of Lincoln Avenue and Summer on Southport.

The first event was organized and led by Kathy Karsten and the second by Visibility Coordinator Jen Lyng. At the second event alone, seven (!) volunteers showed up to hand out stickers and take down names and email addresses. We also had several new people who heard of us either through our own website at chicagolandforkerry.com or through the John Kerry Volunteer Center.

Kerry volunteers are reaching out and spreading the word about the Kerry-Edwards Bandwagon. This weekend's draw is a great harbinger for future big events like Venitian Night (7/31), Bud Billiken (8/14) and of course the Air & Water Show (8/21-8/22).

For more information about events, see the Events Section.

If you would like to participate in an event, please contact Event Coordinator Jen Lyng

See also the Photo Gallery.

Thursday's Meetup at Goose Island (7/22)

2004-07-24T12:20:00.000-05:00

Report from Josh:

As usual, the Goose Island Meetup was a diverse group of about forty people, containing several attendees new to Meetup as well as seasoned veterans.

Josh Lange hosted the event, and provided flyers regarding upcoming events as well as information on John Kerry and John Edwards (have you picked up your Time and Newsweek copies yet?).

Speakers for several committees were present, and Visibility and Outreach gained significant recruits. Media member Betsy Storm raised some money for new buttons and stickers. August will highlight fundraising, trips to swing states like Wisconsin, and will feature new literature.

[Josh is Meetup Coordinator for ChicagolandforKerry--leo]

George “Let Them Eat Their Cake” Bush Visits Glenview

2004-07-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

George Bush was in Illinois for another staged photo-op at a Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy where he toted his administration’s accomplishments on homeland security.

Over 150 protesters filled Navy Park in Glenview to let George Bush know what they thought about his hypocrisy of “mouthing” support for homeland security while gutting the funding for First Responders like the police and firefighters and gutting benefits for veterans. Firefighters and veterans were the most visible supporters in audience.

Protestors heard from US Representative candidate in the 10th Lee Goodman, Illinois IAFF representative Edward Crews and former Marine Dirk Enger, Alex Armour from Jan. S's campaign, Lauren Beth Gash and other great speakers.

Go read John Kerry’s speech on Homeland Security to learn about what President John Kerry will do to make Americans more secure.

Firefighters for Kerry!

2004-07-23T13:29:00.000-05:00

Marines for Kerry!

2004-07-23T13:28:00.000-05:00

Veterans for Kerry!

"City on the Hill" - Evanston Meetup Matures

2004-07-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

Message from Sue Schell on the Evanston Meetup:

With over 80 people signing in at the Evanston Kerry MeetUp, held at the Firehouse Grill, 750 Chicago Avenue, on Thursday, July 22, the electricity in the room was almost overwhelming.

Our MeetUp Host, Robin Trilling, kicked-off the meeting by declaring this election to be the most important election in her lifetime. She reminded everyone that with three months to go in this Presidential Campaign, there was still plenty of work to accomplish and although the campaign is going well, we can not afford to ease up for one minute in our support of the Kerry/Edwards ticket.

There was no shortage of people wishing to volunteer for the Kerry campaign, and within two hours when the meeting was ending, nearly everyone in the room had signed on to help with either voter registration, event planning, communications (phone calling), or joining the Media Corp. Team.

Prior to breaking into groups, however, Democratic State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg, who had returned in time from Springfield to address our group, presented his impression of how important this Democratic Presidential election is to the Party and why it is important for everyone to do their part to elect our candidate.

Senator Schoenberg said that after being warned that there could be a lite turnout for the MeetUp since a lot of people were away on vacation, he was shocked when he walked into the room to find such a large crowd.

The other speaker for the night was Hollister Bundy, a Godson of John Kerry, who related to the audience many personal stories about John Kerry, which served to give everyone a better perspective of the man, as a person. Hollister really told some heart-warming stories that spoke to the caring and warmth of Senator Kerry.

[see susan's full report]

Skokie-Wilmette Meet-up Report from Jennifer:

Skokie, Wilmette and other nearby communities were represented at last Thursday's meet-up. Getting involved in a variety of volunteer activities was the theme for the evening as Kerry-Edwards supporters met at Edwardo's on Skokie Boulevard.

John Lee Bingham, a volunteer representing Veterans for Kerry, gave a rousing talk that included a solid list of reasons to support the Kerry Edwards ticket. He encouraged pro-Kerry rather than anti-Bush rhetoric, shared a number of things we can all do (wear those Kerry-Edwards buttons all the time, not just for meet-ups!), and gave tips for working visibility events.

We were also pleased to welcome Michele Bromberg, 17th District Candidate for State Representative. Michele familiarized everyone with her candidacy, her experience and concerns, talking especially about health care and education.
Both speakers answered questions and encouraged a good amount of dialogue among supporters. Everyone present signed up for volunteer activities from phone calls and canvassing to travel to battleground states.

Thursday's Park Ridge Meetup

2004-07-23T10:48:00.000-05:00

Despite a setback with getting listed as an “official” designation on Meetup, the Park Ridge Meetup overwhelmed expectations last night busting out of the seams at Starbucks with 24 people in attendance. New Meetupers were added from a visibility event the team conducted a few weeks before at the Park Ridge Arts Festival and phone calls made by Monica and Bruce to remind volunteers to come out. The groundswell of Kerry excitement continues to grow in Park Ridge. Watch for the Kerry – Obama tsunami in November!

Special thanks to Monica for directing the meeting and gearing volunteers up for the Taste of Park Ridge event this weekend.

Park Ridge for Kerry!

Thursday's Kerry Meetup at Ann Sathers

2004-07-23T00:59:00.000-05:00

Report from Dan Pawlus:

Kerry supporters gathered once again at Ann Sather's on the North side on Thursday July 22 to show their support for our candidate and his new running mate.

A lively crowd of about thirty were in attendance with many newcomers to the group. Agenda topics included the several upcoming visibility events as well as outreach recruitment and opportunities to battleground states in the near future. The enthusiatic crowd took part in breakout discussions that included engaging feedback around John Edwards and his strengths on the campaign trail, the healthcare challenge that is a key issue in the election, as well as lively talk about the recent "Outfoxed" movie that is causing quite a stir in the conservative camp.

Attendees left interested, motivated and ready to take their passion to the streets as we lean into the next few months of momentum building campaign fever. The meetup was hosted by Joey Hampton, Dan Pawlus and Leo Robert Klein and a concerted call out to South and West side Meet-up expansion was put to the group.

Kerry Voluteers at Old St. Pat's Block Party

2004-07-20T14:16:00.000-05:00

Report from Jen Lyng:

Armed with Kerry/Edwards materials hot off the presses, we handed out stickers, buttons and the newsletter at the Friday opening of the Old St. Pat's Block Party. With only one entrance to the party, we had great traffic, and also managed to sign up some new volunteers.

Before you head out to your local block party this summer, please contact the Visibility committee for stickers and/or buttons. We can cover many neighborhoods while having a great time socializing with voters and possible new volunteers.

[Jen is Visibility Coordinator for ChicagolandforKerry-leo]

Crowds Can't Get Enough Kerry Stickers on Opening Night at Millenium Park

2004-07-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Kerry Volunteers were doing a Land-Office Business just getting a sticker to everyone who wanted one at the opening night of Millenium Park on Friday, July 16.

People waited in line to snap up the familiar blue Lapel Stickers. Mothers and fathers would request them not only for themselves but for all their children. Old people, young people, people of all races and backgrounds eagarly snapped the things up. We could hardly peel them off quickly enough!

This was one of the biggest events of the season. The popularity of the symbol -- a simple sticker -- was a great illustration (as if we needed one) of how greatly the people of this city and state identify with the campaign to elect John Kerry president of the United States. It was a wonderful event.

July 15th Salon Kerry Night ... Bursting with Excitement

2004-07-16T15:39:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from Susan Schell's Report:

Close to forty enthusiastic Kerry supporters attended this week’s Salon Kerry Night at the Firehouse Grill, 750 Chicago Ave., Evanston, for a night of campaign discussion, strategizing and friendship.

Missing our leader, Daniel Dennison, who was away on business in California, we sailed the ship without him. Nevertheless, to Daniel’s credit, the Core Kerry Team did not miss a beat at welcoming our newcomers and making the needed weekly announcements.

Continue to Full Report!

Fun Night at DJ Wednesday

2004-07-15T18:01:00.000-05:00

DJ Wednesdays at Grant Park is really turning out to be a fabulous regular event. Enthusiasm for Kerry is palpable.

DJs last night included DJ ESP Woody McBride/ DJ Josh Werner (Techno). They wowed the crowd with a distinct electronic beat.

The big news was the Obama people who came and joined us (Yea! Obama). They really made the concert seem like a truly Democratic Event.

Leo in an effort to reach out, made friends with several Republicans, pointing out that Bush would continue to have problems until he came up with supporters who could dance as well as us! Yeah, I know, fat chance.

At least on the dance floor, we've got this thing sewn up! See you next Wednesday.

See Schedule.

Barack Obama to Deliver Keynote Address at 2004 Democratic National Convention

2004-07-14T11:56:00.000-05:00

You heard it first on ChicagolandforKerry blog on June 30th. Now the Kerry campaign is confirming our earlier speculation.

Barack Obama will deliver the Keynote address at the Democratic National Convention per a Kerry press release.

"Barack is an optimistic voice for America and a leader who knows that together we can build an America that is stronger at home and respected in the world," said Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry. "He understands the importance of building an economy that lifts up families and expands opportunity, and I'm honored that he has accepted the invitation to deliver the keynote address."

Keep the Pressure on Bush!

2004-07-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

July 11, 2004--In Illinois, the latest Rasmussen Reports survey shows Senator Kerry with 53% of the vote and President Bush with 37%.

Keep up the good work Chicagoland. Let there be no doubt in November how Illinois feels about this election.

Voter Registration at Saturday's Folk & Roots Fest

2004-07-13T09:53:00.000-05:00

Report from Jennifer:

Volunteers registered more than 55 voters at last Saturday's Folk & Roots Festival in Lincoln Square. The question, "Are you currently registered to vote at your current address?" (repeated over and over throughout the day) encouraged many to be sure they were ready to vote on November 2.

A grassroots volunteer committee, known loosely as VR Kerry ('VR' for Voter Registration) and organized by Chicagoan Cara Hendrickson, has been attending Democratic-leaning events across the city in preparation of the November election. The Folk & Roots Festival was Saturday's choice.

Saturday's volunteers included: Maryann, Aaron, Cherie, Diane, Karen, Kathy, and Jennifer.

Interested in getting involved? Visit the VR Kerry Yahoo Group or e-mail jennifer.

See Photo Gallery.

Edwards in Chicago July 14!

2004-07-10T22:41:00.000-05:00

The Next Vice President of the United States, John Edwards, visits Chicago on July 14, 2004

From Finance Director Helen Mirieskind:

Dear Friends:

On Wednesday, July 14, 2004, we are honored to be holding a reception and dinner for Senator John Edwards, the next Vice President of the United States.

Please join us for a reception and dinner at 7:00 pm at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL to celebrate the selection of John Edwards as John Kerry's running mate and to cheer the Democratic ticket on to victory.

Please consider putting together a table or purchasing individual tickets by calling 312-832-0220 or emailing
EdwardsChicago@johnkerry.com.

Thank you.

Helen I. F. Marieskind
Midwest Finance Director
John Kerry for President

Salon Kerry Nights Receiving Rave Reviews

2004-07-09T08:51:00.000-05:00

Here is a report from Sue, Salon Kerry's official Madame, about the Evanston event last night.

Thirty-five Kerry supporters attended this week’s Salon Kerry Night at the Firehouse Grill, 750 Chicago Avenue, for a night of campaign discussion, strategizing and friendship. This was only our second week of holding Salon Kerry at this new location and it has worked out great. We have the use of the entire upstairs room and there is better parking plus it is located less than a block from the Main Street El and Northwestern train stop.

During the evening, several announcements were made about the numerous upcoming events and programs, in which volunteers were needed. Sue began by asking volunteers to join the Kerry Media Corps and explained what that entailed and how to join. Julie announced that she was hosting a Move-On.org volunteer phone party at her home in Evanston to register new voters this Sunday, July 11 from 6 to 8pm. Joanne reminded everyone that the Democratic Party of Evanston’s Progressive Dinner for Progressives was coming up on July 18 and urged everyone to come. Thea discussed the need for database help to maintain our quickly growing list of volunteers (keep em’ coming!). Daniel announced that this coming weekend there are three festivals (Wilmette, Park Ridge, and Lincolnwood) in need of volunteers for handing out Kerry info. John announced that anyone interested in attending the Peter, Paul and Mary concert at Ravinia, (a great Kerry social event) should contact him.

Following our announcements, everyone in attendance had a great time planning new projects and making new friends. Overall, these nights have resulted in many new friendships and stimulating conversation.

[More photos here -- lrk]

Kerry Dance Volunteers at DJ Wednesday

2004-07-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

Well, the Kerry Volunteer Dance Instructors showed their stuff on the dance floor once again this Wednesday.

This time round it was the "Deep House" Superjane Collective featuring DJ Colette, DJ Heather, and DJ Lady D. The absolutely fab music was interrupted only intermittently by rain showers.

As usual the Kerry Volunteer Dance Instructors attracted a considerable amount of positive feedback as they danced and handed out their Kerry lapel stickers. Comments included, "I'm not sure about Kerry but you sure can dance" (person obviously needs more work) and "It's so great to see a bunch of happy Democrats"!

You can find this bunch of Happy Democrats weekly at DJ Wednesdays in Grant Park at Michigan Ave. and Harrison -- 6:30pm-9:30.

See Schedule.

The Hyde Park 4th of July Parade was all for Kerry!

2004-07-07T12:09:00.000-05:00

Report from Tanya:

Many many thanks to the marching crew that made our Hyde Park 4th of July parade look like a John Kerry for President parade =)

While we were getting ready to march, an overwhelming majority of the other participants in the parade eagerly agreed to wear John Kerry stickers and even offered to carry signs for us. A driver in the parade came running up to ask us for a large Kerry yard sign to display on the hood of his SUV which was in the parade.

We were able to dress up our Kerry signs with streamers, balloons and american flags, and the best signs were made by John proudly stating Hyde Parkers for Kerry! Armed with a roll of John Kerry stickers purchased with the funds raised at our June meet-up and bags of candy, John Moore, Jessica Lent & her friend,
Joanne Yao, Emily Boening, Marieke Guillen-Treadway, Gabe McArthur, Christopher Greenwald and Susan Hoffman marched through the streets of Hyde Park spreading Kerry cheer. It was a huge success!

Thanks Hyde Park for Kerry supporters! You made it clear to our community that we are united and ready for a positive change in the White House!

See Photo Gallery