Alexi Giannoulias will win today's Democratic primary in Illinois. I know that is a bold statement, but it is true. Alexi's opponents, David Hoffman and Cheryle Jackson are both fine people and either of them would make fine United States Senators.
But Alexi will win and even more important, Alexi will defeat Congressman Mark Kirk. This is Alexi's third election and in each of these elections he was counted out. The first time, he ran as then-Senator Barack Obama's endorsed candidate (and friend) and was given zero chance of winning. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan threw every roadblock and all of his clout at Alexi, and Alexi fought them off successfully.
Madigan attempted to knock Alexi off the ballot, but he fought back with the help of the "Obama Team." All of the these events are discussed in my book, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers Did It.
And now people like Speaker Madigan are surreptitiously supporting one of Alexi's opponents. And what I absolutely love about Alexi is that he is a fighter.
He is a fighter that will fight for the people of Illinois. He played basketball on a high level in high school, college, and professionally in Greece. He is a competitor. He will fight for women's rights, immigrant's rights, veteran's rights, education, the economy and all the issues that are important to progressives and all thinking people.
Don't let these Republicans and some of these so-called Democrats fool you.
Alexi is real and will fight for all of us. He is no Scott Brown. He will wage a vigorous campaign, because frankly, Alexi doesn't know any other way to fight. he is full of youth and energy and ideass and he is the right man, in the right place at the right time.
And I'll say it in the way I was taught by Barack Obama. When you want somebody's vote, ask for it. Please vote for my friend and your friend, Alexi Giannoulias.
Chicago City Hall Examiner and The Chicago Grassroots Political Examiner. And be sure to read the Midland Book Examiner and a recent review there of my book.
John is the author of an upcoming book, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers did it. The book can be ordered from many places, preferably your local independent bookseller at Indie Bound. It can be ordered from another great independent, Powells Bookstore in Portland, OR. Or if you insist, from Amazon.com. Or Barnes and Noble. Or Borders. Or even Sears.
Read the Chicago City Hall Examiner's and the Chicago Grassroots Political Examiner's recent pieces on many issues: First booksigning for the Obama book that celebrates books and bookselling. Robert Gibbs lashes out at Limbaugh. Mayor Richard M. Daley is vulnerable. Obama book is a celebration of books and bookselling. Pamela Cotten is endorsed for Subcircuit judge of Cook County.