As many of you already know, David Hoffman is one of the candidates for President Obama's Senate seat. He is holding a meet and greet at Johnny's Charhouse in DeKalb, IL tonight. There are also many other candidates here, including Mike Boland for Lt. Governor, Justin Oberman for Treasurer, and many local candidates.
I've been asked to post a live blog of the event and take questions. If you have any questions to ask of David, please post them in the comments. I can't garauntee that we will get to all of them, but we will do our best. Look beow the fold for updates.
~Kristen Lash
DeKalb, IL
5:05 - David is about 15 minutes away... we have a good crowd waiting for his arrival. Justin Oberman, Mike Boland, and 3 local candidates are working the crowd.
5:25 - Mike Boland (IL State Representative and candidate for Lt. Governor) has started speaking. Spoke about wind energy. Then moved on to give David Hoffman his support for Senate.
5:30 - Justin Oberman (candidate for IL Treasurer) is speaking now. Carrying on the theme of most candidates in IL: corruption and jobs.
5:40 - David Hoffman is speaking now! if you have questions, please post them now!
He's talking about his appointment to the IL Reform Commission, how he traveled all over the state hearing people saying, "we deserve better."
Republicans are targeting this seat. This is the number 2 most at risk Senate seat in the nation. David was named the sole possibility of keeping this seat in Democratic hands.
Dem. nominee needs two qualifications: No connection to IL scandals, and right level of experience. Then started background. (more in next update)
Talking about, "who can you trust?" promised to remain independent and not be bought.
Talking about healthcare. Only industrialized country that has not figured out how to insure all of it's citizens. "We need this public option." The idea that it would be cataclysmic is just nonsense. It would give an affordable option to those who need it. Check-ups, vaccinations, and pre-cancer screenings (preventative care) should be mandated and covered for all insurance companies. Insurance companies say it's too expensive. Compared to Ford Pinto situation.
Education: repeal NCLB.
Environment: More investment in renewable energy and technology.
Foriegn Policy: Not in favor of what Obama proposed in regards to Afghanistan. Reports are that there are no more than 100 Al Quaeda left in Afghanistan. Proposed a Biden-like plan of "pin-point attacks." Need to focus on Afghan-Pakastani border instead of nation-building in Afghanistan.
Ended by asking for support.