Swimming in a different kind of red sea, Nancy Mitchell, a Democrat and former near 20-year chairwoman of the local party says she’s working to let locals know they’re not alone, trying to build some grassroots support, and get back to talking to rural people. That’s something she says her party has gotten away from and it’s caused frustration and discouragement that even she herself has felt. Joining a regional Ladies in Blue group has reinvigorated Mitchell and she’s spearheading an event called Democrats in Red coming to the White County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 22nd from 5pm – 9pm.
It’s time to get back involved. And Democrats in Red, that’s a play on words. We’re still here; we’re just a red county now. I’m very hopeful because I’ve had so many people call me or ask someone else how do I get to this thing…what can we do. And that’s made my heart feel good too. I think we’re going to have a good crowd.
While there aren’t many elected local Democratic officials in the area, Mitchell says she’s hoping to have state and federal office holder representatives or candidate delegates on hand to speak or be available to answer questions and that’s still valuable. Furthermore, she says it’s not that state level Democrats aren’t interested in our area; it’s more that they need to see some skin in the game from locals.
What we tell them is going to go back to the office holder and having someone else to talk to the governor and Tammy Duckworth’s office, yes. Now, I may have some candidates that are running for U.S. Senate. I think they look at us as someone that’s not involved. They need to see that we’re growing strong and I don’t blame them for that.
Because of today’s divisive political climate and how red the county has become, Mitchell says she’s hopeful that there aren’t antagonists that show up, but she’s prepared for that and says ultimately, she has every right to her beliefs, to be proud of them, and that that in and of itself is very American.
Here’s how I look at it. We’re local. I’m your friend and neighbor. Why would you want to be hateful to something I’m trying to do. We are a free country and I should be allowed to speak my mind just like anyone else. And if they want to come, that’s fine. But if you cause trouble, I’m going to have you leave because that’s not what this is about. It’s about showing people that there are other candidates out there. It’s not just one party. We are a free country, we have free speech, everything available to us to be able to hear both sides of the conversation.
The free meal kicks off at 5pm and beginning at 6pm, speakers will take the floor.
