Reply #2: I am involved in local politics.

[murielm99]

Yes, it is very different from national politics.

But when we get good progressives elected at the local level, we can move them on to state and national office.

I went to a local event not long ago that had Dick Durbin as the keynote speaker. He spoke about his mentor, Paul Simon. Durbin told us how discouraged he was when he lost his first few elections. Simon kept encouraging him, telling him that he had lost his first elections, too.

Sometimes, a good local person has to be in the right place at the right time. We have a good guy here who has a well-known name statewide. He decided to aim a bit higher this year, because an entrenched republican is retiring. Given the sentiment nationally, and the disorganized state of Illinois' republicans, this guy could win. It could launch a national career for him.

I do not run for office beyond precinct committeeman and county Democratic party executive board. I am needed in that capacity. Working on campaigns, raising money, walking and knocking on doors, as well as letter-writing are things I do best. It is fun to know everyone and help them.