December 6--On a cold wintry night in Chicago, over 50 supporters of PDA Chicago crammed into the side room of Brehon's Pub to welcome John Laesch, Democratic candidate for Congress, IL-14, a seat formerly held by Dennis Hastert. John Laesch is a true-blue grassroots progressive who supports all of PDA priorities. He's waging a four-way primary battle for the 2008 election and for a special election to fill the remainder of the retiring Hastert's term.

With little or no help expected from the national or state Democratic Party, John's success will depend a great deal on progressive democrats and Labor. PDA Chicago stepped up to the challenge by hosting the event to raise funds and recruit volunteers for John's campaign. The turnout exceeded expectations and demonstrated that the grassroots progressive movement in the Midwest continues to grow.

John was introduced by Dr. Quentin Young, a well-known progressive hero. Dr. Young is the former Head of Medicine at Cook County Hospital, medical correspondent for Chicago's public radio outlet, WBEZ, and National Co-Coordinator of Physicians for a National Health Program. Dr. Young reminded folks that the Laesch campaign has national implications for the Democratic Party. The victory of a true grassroots progressive will send a signal that the party's old ways of doing business-packaging corporate and conservative Democrats as representatives of the people-won't work anymore. Music was provided by DJ Charlotte Kaufman, and singer-songwriter Rick Muelder.

Arlene Gloria Hirsch,
co-chair of Laesch Fundraiser
with PDAChicago Chair Bill Bianchi M
(not shown here)