In early April, volunteers for Democracy for Illinois (DFI, the Illinois chapter of Democracy for America, a group started by Howard Dean to elect progressive Democrats) gathered for their first statewide convention at the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1487 in Des Plaines. About fifty-five people from areas throughout the state met to plan the direction that Democracy for Illinois will take in the coming months.

Among those present were Jim Dean, chairperson of Democracy for America, and State of Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, both of whom gave speeches and answered questions from the group. Having Dean and Quinn at the convention seemed to give the attendees the boost they needed to accomplish the tasks at hand.

During the breakout sessions and presentations, it quickly became apparent that the DFI should not follow a “cookie cutter” formula since some structures that are proving effective in other states appeared unworkable for DFI. Because of this, the groups focused on determining the future makeup of the DFI leadership/steering committee.

As the day went on, there were several notable presentations. DFI founder Eric Davis talked about the group's beginning (His line, “Welcome to the future, the line forms on the left”, got a great response from the crowd). Sandra Verthein, another Democracy for Illinois activist, followed with a presentation on the future of DFI, anticipating that communication, growth, leadership and planning would be essential topics to focus on as the group evolves. After the crowd heard from the local people, DFA Grassroots Coordinator Chris Warshaw gave a presentation on the national statistics, putting DFI’s plans into a larger context.

Jim Dean’s speech stressed two key points: that campaigns never really end and that organizing is essential to the success of the progressive movement. Dean added that the main goal of groups like DFI/DFA should be to put a substantial dent in the Republican leadership’s agenda, positioning Democrats to better run in races from library trustee to US Senator when the mid-term elections roll around.

Throughout their speeches, both Dean and Quinn pointed out the need to have viable Democratic candidates in every race nationwide. Both believe that technology and grassroots activism can revitalize the Democratic Party in areas where it has recently been scarce or non-existent. During my interview with Dean, he noted that DFA is committed to supporting people who are taking risks in traditional Republican strongholds and who have the courage to run for office in areas where Democrats haven’t been playing in eight or more years.

It should be noted that that some Democrats in Illinois have recently placed strongly, despite “underdog” status. For example, Melissa Bean beat out longtime incumbent Phil Crane in the northwest and far-north suburban 8th congressional district, and Christine Cegelis got 44% of the vote on her first campaign against Henry Hyde in the west suburban 6th district. During the course of the day, it became apparent that the Bean and Cegelis campaigns might offer only a taste of what DFI can do. The group’s ambition is to vastly expand the “blue” parts of the state beyond Chicago and other urban pockets currently dominated by Democrats.

At the end of the day, the group came together to discuss the future of DFI. Those present voted to structure DFI around a steering committee (which is being formed as you read this article). The energy of Jim Dean on the national level, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn at the state level, and local DFI leaders created electricity in the room as the day drew to a close. Despite the right-wing government controlling the country right now, it is inspiring to be a witness to something new and innovative in politics.

To find out more about Democracy for Illinois, go to www.democracyforillinois.org