Writer's Note: Give to Robin Kelly's campaign. She is running on little money, high energy, high integrity. Let's boost her up as a group. Give to Robin today or on an Act Blue for Robin page. If elected, Robin Kelly will be the first African-American female elected to statewide office in Illinois.
Let me tell you about two of my personal friends (in the photo, Robin Kelly, left and Alexi Giannoulias, right) that are on the Illinois statewide ticket for 2010. One of them is Robin Kelly, who is currently the chief-of-staff to the Illinois State Treasurer. Robin Kelly is running for Illinois State Treasurer. As a prominent Democrat told me recently, "Robin wins this race, she's an instant star of the Democratic Party not just in Illinois but nationwide." Just like . . . I'll get to that.
And recently, Robin Kelly was endorsed by The Chicago Sun Times. And the Southtown/Star. And the Chicago Defender.
In a field of quality candidates in the race for Illinois treasurer, only one has this job in her blood.
Robin Kelly has a long, successful track record in economic development, gave up a state rep seat to run the treasurer's office four years ago, and has a long list of compelling ideas for the office, including plans for spurring job creation and encouraging savings among low- and moderate-income families.
Kelly, a Democrat from the south suburbs who is the treasurer's chief of staff, would make an excellent treasurer.
But Kelly is a better fit for the job.
The editorial goes on to say,
A former director of community affairs in Matteson with a Ph.D. in political science, Kelly's roots are in high-impact, no-frills public service. "If you're not making a difference, what's the point?" she told us, and her record backs her up.
As a legislator, Kelly was known for her smarts and her ability to work with others. In the treasurer's office, she helped reduce staffing levels and returned more lost cash and assets to Illinois residents and businesses than ever before.
As treasurer, Kelly wants to entice investors and help small businesses. She is committed to using the office, the main function of which is to invest the state's money, to promote financial literacy.
Robin Kelly deserves your time, energy and money. And again, to donate to Kelly, please got to Act Blue and give generously.
The other candidate I want to tell you about is someone that I have been telling you about and telling you about and telling you about. That man is my friend, Alexi Giannoulias, the current Illinois State Treasurer. I met Alexi in late 2005 and when he called to ask for my support and I must admit I was a bit leery at first since he mentioned that Barack Obama gave him my phone number (you can check my book, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots, for the complete story if you are curious).
These two fine people need your help. Let's start with money and let's start with Robin. I have created an Act Blue page for Robin, "I'm the Grassroots" for Robin Kelly.
Below is a video of Robin and Alexi when they recently appeared before a group called "Team Hope" in Flossmoor, Illinois. This group formed from the histroci 2004 United States Senate run and is still going strong, as are most of the progressive groups. Take a quick look at how natural these two are and what a team.
Robin Kelly is the most qualified candidate running for the office of Illinois State Treasurer. Robin has been the chief-of-staff to the current State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias, and has a grasp of all the issues facing that office.
But that is not, in itself, enough reason to vote for Robin. She favors transparency in government, wisely invests our tax dollars, puts people first, works to create jobs for the people of Illinois, promotes financial literacy, supports higher education, and favors change in Illinois tax laws that will improve public education for all the citizens of Illinois.
Let me give you some more reasons to vote for Robin. She is strong, tough, intelligent, generous, and trustworthy. She will never violate the public trust and in today's environment, that is an essential quality. She is not afraid to stand up to the party leadership when she deems it appropriate.
Robin is a proven commodity and is also a "Rising Star' of the Democratic Party. But Robin will rise in due time. As President Barack Obama would admonish if he heard me saying this, "One race at a time." So I say vote for Robin Kelly for Illinois State Treasurer and you will not be disappointed.
Next, just a few words and the second part of the video and "Team Hope."
What it comes down to for Alexi Giannoulias is quite simply is this: Do we want to move forward with the Obama agenda. Or slip backward to where Mark Kirk wants to takes us into the failed Bush policies.
I choose moving forward with the Obama agenda. Vote, support and donate to Alexi Giannoulias for United States Senate.
Mark Kirk is in the pockets of the financial industry and has always done the bidding for the industry. It is time we elect a candidate that will do the bidding for the consumer.
Alexi Giannoulias is the person to do just that.
But.
Alexi needs your time, energy, and money because he is up against the Goliath Financial industry. And David, Alexi Giannoulias, can knock down the nasty Goliath with your support. He has already received $77,304 in donations from 2,006 donors on Act Blue. Let's pad that number to $100,000 from 2500 donors today. And spread the word.
Go Act Blue.
Writer's note: Alexi Giannoulias needs your help in fighting back on stories like this.. So I am placing a donation button below. Please help me raise some serious money for our friend, Alexi Giannoulias. The deadline is near to send a message to Mark Kirk. Donate today to my personal fund raising page for Alexi titled, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots for Alexi Giannoulias. Or if you feel more comfortable, donate today directly to the campaign here, or donate on Act Blue here.
Please give and give generously (and often). Thanks.
Again, to donate. Click here at Act Blue, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots for Alexi Giannoulias. Help Alexi fight so he can fight for you.
Chicago City Hall Examiner and The Chicago Grassroots Political Examiner. John is the author of a book published by The Elevator Group Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers did it. Also available an eBook on Amazon. John is also a member of the Society of Midland Authors and is a book reviewer of political books for the New York Journal of Books.