Air America Supports Christine

According to a member of the reality-based community, Christine Cegelis has the support of Sheldon and Anita Drobny. They are the founders of Air America Radio (AAR). They are coming to Glen Ellyn for a book signing event. They are using it as a special fundraising event for Christine's campaign. The evening will include plenty of Q&A time about AAR. Christine will be available to meet her supporters and answer their questions.

Sheldon & Anita Drobny put independent back into independent media. They will talk about their commitment to progressive radio, the challenge of launching a new radio network in the face of widespread discouragement—and the reason they support Christine Cegelis for IL’s 6th CD.

Christine received 44% of the vote in 2004 and not because of deep-pocketed supporters. It came because of the dedicated work of everyday citizens who decided to get involved and do something. Christine knew that she had a strong campaign. The energy of a motivated and committed progressive community fueled that 2004 campaign. Henry Hyde probably realized that, and it scared him out of office.

When Rep. Hyde endorsed his heir-apparent, he accidentally endorsed the Cegelis Campaign. He acknowledged the strength of support she received and credited it to the work of her supporters (e.g., knocking on doors, keeping the campaign message in front of the public). Although he won this last race, Rep. Hyde acknowledged the reason for his withdrawal and endorsement of Peter Roskam, a conservative lawyer who worked for him as a legislative aide in 1986, and also as an aide to majority whip Tom DeLay. He admitted that he retired because he did not want the district to “go Democrat”, and he did not think he could campaign successfully against Christine during the 2006 Election Cycle. That is a true testament to the hard work of her supporters in the 2004 campaign.

Mr. Roskam is a Republican opponent even more conservative than Henry Hyde. Christine knows that the 6th CD is ready for change. Her constituents want a representative who will put Americans first, not multi-national corporations. They want leaders who are committed to making education accessible to everyone. They want leaders who believe that it is not enough to have the best military in the world – that the country needs the best diplomats as well. Mr. Roskam is Tom DeLay’s protégé. He does not understand this. In 2006, he will learn that the district is “going Democratic”.

Democrats need to maintain the pressure. They need to show Rep. Hyde and his heir-apparent that it is a new day. The Party is reclaiming the 6th CD. Supporters should mark their calendars for Wednesday, September 14, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 1250 Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn (the NW corner of Roosevelt and Finley). Donation is $35.

Sheldon and Anita will have copies of their recent book, Road to Air America: Breaking the Right Wing Stranglehold on Our Nation's Airwaves, for sale. Everyone can meet them and have the authors sign the book.

This is a special campaign fundraiser and book-signing. To RSVP for the event, please send an e-mail to RSVP@cegelisforcongress.com or call 630-693-0500.

To contribute at any time, donors can link to Christine’s website or use ActBlue.