Submitted by lorinpda on Wed, 05/12/2010 - 13:03

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Lorin Klugman, Dr. David Gill, Bill Bianchi - Sat May 8 2010, Campaign office in downtown Champaign Il.

On Saturday May 1, Bill Bianchi and I made the trip from Chicago  to Urbana Illinois. We went to pass out fliers at the Urbana farmer's market. The fliers notified folks that we were holding the kickoff meeting of our 15th congressional district chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA). The fliers also expressed our support for sending Dr. David Gill to congress.

When you pass out fliers in Chicago, you don't have high expectations. However, in Urbana, the experience was radically different. 90% of the folks walking in to the farmer's market told me they had voted for Dr. Gill in the past and were enthusiastic about helping get Dr Gill elected this fall.

The popularity of Dr Gill is a really encouraging sign for the progressive community. However, how did Dr. Gill obtain such a broad and enthusiastic following?

On the following Saturday (May 8), Bill and I returned to Champaign/Urbana to find out how and why Dr. Gill is so popular.

At 5:30 PM, approximately 15 activists came to the meeting. Bill Bianchi explained to the group who the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) are, and the importance of maintaining a chapter in the 15th congressional district.

Dr. David Gill and Claudia Lennhoff at the kickoff meeting - Sat May 8.

Next, Claudia Lennhoff,  executive Director of CCHCC talked about the state of health care in their district. Folks in the audience detailed the frustration many folks have with the current incumbent congressman Timothy Johnson. Johnson had challenged anyone to find just 2 folks in the 15th congressional district who had ever been denied health care by an insurance company? Of course, the CCHCC works with constituents who have been denied health care all the time. Therefore, this was not much of a challenge. Claudia and the CCHCC brought citizens to the congressman's district office, held a press conference and asked for a response. Timothy Johnson had no response.

Bill Bianchi making opening remarks -- kickoff meeting in Champaign Il. May 8, 2010

Ok, an out of touch incumbent. That explains a lack of support for Timothy Johnson, but what about Dr. David Gill?

Dr. Gill was next on the agenda. David set aside his speeches and simply asked the group to converse with him on the issues. Right away, you notice that Dr Gill really knows how to communicate with people. Dr Gill is sincere and genuine.

The group discussed a wide range of issues: jobs, trade agreements, health care, foreign policy, fair elections, corporate corruption of the political process, a need to end the occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan. On each issue Dr. Gill gave a detailed answer that everyone could understand.

Dr Gill shared his experience working in the district. Many folks who consider themselves conservatives are pleasantly surprised that Dr Gill really represents working folks. The area's right wing and main stream media paint bizarre caricatures of Dr. Gill. However, once folks meet the candidaite, neighbor to neighbor,  Dr Gill's genuine concern, ideas and principled positions wins folks over.

Bill Bianchi, Dr. David Gill, at kickoff meeting for IL-15. Sat May 8, 2010

Dr. Gill does not get financial support from corporations or the Democratic Party. Dr Gill's campaign is funded by small donations from activists across the district, state and country.

Dr. Gill is a true progressive who shares PDA's stand of our priority issues (http://pdamerica.org/iot/). Details of Dr Gill positions can be found on his campaign website at: http://www.gill2010.com/.

To summarize, we are really excited and encouraged by this campaign. Dr. Gill garnered 43% of the vote in 2006. (He did not run in 2008).  There isn't any reason why we can't provide that extra push to send Dr. Gill to congress!! Our chapter in the 15th congressional district is off the ground and running. Folks are already working on the next meeting, and obtaining a national PDA endorsement.

I encourage everyone to come down to Champaign/Urbana and help with Dr. Gill's campaign. Find out for yourself why Dr. David Gill is so popular. Help make him the next congressman representing IL-15.

Lorin M Klugman -- Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Illinois State Coodinator. 

Note.  Bill Bianchi is also a State Coordinator of the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Illinois.