Special to WROY/WRUL News
Judging by the enthusiasm and size of the crowd, one could almost say the White County Democrats are back!
A crowd of close to 150, including Democrats from the counties surrounding White, turned out for the Democrats in Red event at the White County Fairgrounds Floral Hall in Carmi Tuesday night. It was the first function of the local Democrats in some time and was spearheaded by Nancy Mitchell and Patrick Scates, along with the Hamilton County based Ladies In Blue.
Following a free meal, provided by the White County Democrats, Mitchell opening the evening, explaining how her involvement in local politics had waned, but the Ladies in Blue got her “fired up.” She pointed out the party has work to do;
I do know that we’ve got to fight. And if we don’t do it together, it’s not going to happen.
Mitchell introduced Patrick Scates, who was master of ceremonies for the evening. Scates also gave credit to the Ladies in Blue.
I went to McLeansboro to the Ladies in Blue dinner and it did get me fired up. Brandy went with me and it was fun to see people in southern Illinois excited about Democrat politics.
Scates then introduced the first speaker of the evening, retired WROY/WRUL News Director, Ray Mitchell. Mitchell pointed out that state leaders need to be reminded there are votes south of Interstate 64.
Educate, Resist, Vote…the three things that immediately come to mind and I think that starts with choosing the right legislators.
Cynthia Given, who ran unsuccessfully against Daren Bailey for state representative was the next speaker. And while she lost that race, she has since been elected Richland County Democratic Committee Chairperson and was elected to the Richland County Board.
Even running against a millionaire backed by billionaires, I earned my strongest report right here in White County of all the nine counties. I had no staff, no ads, but I told no lies. And that’s why you hear me and other [sic] electeds, probably like Ms. Holly, talking about grass roots and how we win by knocking on doors, making calls, and talking to our neighbors at the coffee shop.
Evelyn Fuqua of Like Minded Ladies, another group of Southern Illinois Democratic ladies, explained how bad she and others felt the morning after Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump. She said Like Minded Ladies became a support group, growing with the lose of Kamala Harris in the last national election. The Like Minded Ladies has now blossomed into an benevolent organization, that continues to activate for Democratic causes;
Go out and do good things. It makes you feel better while we’re trying to get through this. Your PTSD will be a lot easier to navigate if you go out and do good things. That’s what we’ve got going for us.
Scates explained Fuqua was exactly right; Democrats help people. He then introduced the Jackson County State’s Attorney; Marcia Hale. She explained how she went from a mom on Public Aid and using food stamps to State’s Attorney explaining every vote counts;
Lo and behold, guess who wins by 39 votes. That’s’ right. And this is why I say to every person, every single vote counts.
The final guest Holly Kim is seeking the Illinois State Comptroller’s Job. She is currently the Lake County treasurer and said she can win:
I was built from the ground up and I still stay in touch. I still bring my community with me everywhere I go. Lake County was conservative and the district I ran in was conservative. But my values my whole life have been progressive. I’m a Democrat who can win in conservative areas.
Scates thanked everyone for the impressive turnout and reminded everyone of the parties core values;
Things that we need to remind our friends, families, and neighbors of because we are the party of the working class.
Mitchell closed the evening with a half pot drawing. Over $1000 was raised by the group with Dennis Neal taking half of that home.
She expressed her gratitude and delight at seeing so many local Democrats including former county officials, Paula Dozier, who helped with the event. Others attending included former White County Sheriff Jerry O’Neal. Former state representative Larry Hicks also turned our for the evening.
Mitchell thanked everyone for coming out, reminding all those in attendance, “there is work to be done.”