Important writer's note for Quinn. Just a couple things before I begin the diary. First, Governor Patrick Quinn needs your financial support. Donate to Act Blue for Quinn, just the way you have generously supported Alexi Giannoulias on Act Blue.
Patrick Quinn loves a good fight. So it was fitting on Saturday that Governor Patrick Quinn appeared at the Celtic Boxing Club in the Mount Greenwood community of Chicago. Irish. Boxing. A good fight. That is the essence of Patrick Quinn. (Left, Governor Quinn at the Celtic Boxing Club talking with a couple of Teamsters).
Hundreds came to show support for Governor Quinn at the Celtic Boxing Club and they also went out canvassing door-to-door all over the state of Illinois. It is contagious. We are gaining steam thanks to many, many dedicated, passionate volunteers who believe that Patrick Quinn will take this state in the right direction.
As the campaign comes down the home stretch. Quinn is gaining steam in his quest to not only get elected Governor of Illinois for the first time, but possibly more important, to carry the rest of the statewide ticket. And Quinn's shoulders are certainly big and broad enough.
And over the weekend, Governor Quinn was introduced at the New Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church on the west side of Chicago, by State Senator Ricky Hendon. And the introduction by Hendon of Quinn caused quite a stir in the media.
"Let me tell you a couple things. I've served with Bill Brady. I've never served with such an idiotic, racist, sexist, homophobic person in my life," Hendon told the crowd. "If you think that the minimum wage needs to be $3 an hour, vote for Bill Brady. If you think that women have no rights whatsoever except to have his children, vote for Bill Brady. If you think gay and lesbian people need to be locked up and shot in the head, vote for Bill Brady."
The media focus concerning the remarks were on the first part of Hendon's statement.
Idiotic.
Racist.
Sexist.
Homophobic.
Senator Hendon, who is also the author of two books, understands fully the power of words. The important part of the introduction was the second part. But the media focus was on the first part. What should Hendon have said?
Let me tell you about Brady. "Brady's a rather thoughtless, unkind man who has no empathy for people." You'd have never heard about it. Nice words, but not an attention-grabber.
Words matter and Senator Hendon got attention.
So lets remember what is at issue in this race for Governor. The rally that Hendon spoke to was organized by the labor movement who have come out to support Governor Quinn in a big way not only with money but with people. Let's GOTV for Governor Patrick Quinn.
Again, Governor Patrick Quinn needs your financial support. Donate to Act Blue for Quinn, just the way you have generously supported Alexi Giannoulias on Act Blue. Also, former President Bill Clinton will be in town on Tuesday, so hope you can attend and sign up here. And now for the fireworks for Quinn.
Chicago City Hall Examiner and The Chicago Grassroots Political Examiner. John is the author of an award-winning 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.