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Subject: Chapa LaVia Announces Interest in 14th

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kpfarrer
Posts:251

12/16/2006 3:30 PM	Alert
Linda Chapa LaVia has announced interest in running for Dennis Hastert's seat if it's vacated and a special election is held. http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=259958&cc=d&tc=&t I don't know Linda personally, and have heard many many positive things about her, but what's with all the Denny praise? Granted he brought funds into the 14th and is popular, but yikes! What about all the other stuff (summarized nicely here ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Hastert#Controversies)? It could be characterized as polished non-partisan conduct, but it's quite a turn-off since there are so many valid complaints about Hastert. Smacks too much of "playing the game". I'd feel better about it if the Hastert comments were at least balanced.

tbrophy
Posts:93

12/19/2006 2:30 PM	Alert
I hate to do this, but I've gotta be like Blago and ask..."what's she thinking?"... Chapa La Via is a great State Rep and would be a great candidate for US Congress as well. I wonder how long she's been thinking of running...I also have to wonder if that's why she was so conspicuously quite about Laesch during his campaign.....just a thought. It will be very interesting to see how this shakes out in the coming months. I also have to wonder if Rahm the wonder boy will finally come out and endorse and help the DEMOCRATIC candidate running for that office...the DCCC never did anything for Zamora or Laesch and neither did the State Democratic Party. Since LCLV is in with Madigan - who knows. Maybe he'll (Madigan) will pretend that there really are democrats in the 14th Congressional District. I hope everyone has a great holiday - I know I will!

Plainfieldrob
Posts:175

12/20/2006 2:34 PM	Alert
Ya know, I want to point out that liberals don't win much in this area (Kendall, Kane, etc) for various reasons, but mostly because our constituencies are still mostly conservative in nature. Demographics are changing to be sure, and clearly the elctorate is swinging in our direction. In fact, if I were a Republican, I would look over at Will and DuPage Counties and question my longevity. So, LaVia is a fan of Hastert, so what. She still has a D behind her name. As KOS says all the time...and in his book...the only thing that should matter is removal of those like Hastert who have enabled a system of radical conservatism. Even a guy like Cross may be considered moderate (not be me) generally, he will still vote party line most of the time and keep the same system in place. LaVia and other centrist/conservative Democrats, while not progressive 'enough' for some of us...will still toe the line when we need her. Article today in the Beacon News on Sheriff Perez in Kane...first Dem to win countywide office in a long time up there. You'll notice being a Dem/Liberal is not a part of his stump speech. LINK Once we get our Democratic brothern into office, we can push them left...but first, we have to get them into office. Like the Harry Reid episode this week (does he support a "surge" or doesn't he) it's better if we don't parse words and rather focus on what our legislators do on our behalf.

J.Lausier
Posts:59

12/20/2006 8:22 PM	Alert
Rep Chapa LaVia has shown the ability to win in a predominantly Republican distirict even with the "D" next to her name. She can do this because she is remarkably good at straddling that divide. I know it smacks of "playing the game" but, like it or not that's the only way to win here. This shouldn't be taken as my endorsement of her, or my opposition to Laesch or any other candidates who may enter this fray. I'm just saying that there are worse things she can do than voicing respect for someone who is well respected here. I know most of us don't agree with what Mr. Hastert stands for, but compared to Tom Delay or Newt Gingrich or Trent Lott or George Bush- the guy really ain't so bad.

Plainfieldrob
Posts:175

12/21/2006 5:07 PM	Alert
Well said Jim...and to give our Progressive friends some hope...just take a look at Linda Holmes. Here is her profile on the Kane Dems website LINK Now there is noboday that's going to look at her resume and claim moderate/centrist! Yet, she still beat out Ed "War on Christmas" Petka's replacement and establishment conservative Terri Ann Wintermute fairly handily thanks to her Aurora roots and an well run campaign that focused on a number of progressive values (against tax breaks for local refinery, etc) A good candidate and message can trump pre-established pitfalls such as a conservative voting bloc...but finding a 'good' candiate is the first challenge of our Party. They are out there, we just have to find them and convince them. Holmes, LaVia and Perez are our Democratic role models like it or not. Boy, what I'd give to have them speak to our group someday. Happy Holidays.

J.Lausier
Posts:59

12/21/2006 8:26 PM	Alert
Thanks Rob. To say that I know Representative Chapa LaVia personally is probably not accurate, but I have met her on two different occasions, and I spoke with her once on the phone. In each case she came off as remarkably "real" - and willing to talk. I think she can connect with most voters - on a personal level - and we need someone who can do that.

kpfarrer
Posts:251

12/22/2006 12:48 PM	Alert
Excellent points all around. Just couldn't let the comments go by w/o noting as they were so over-the-top. I'd be happy to get more Dems elected around here! Will be watching this race with great interest.

JAMESFEELEY
Posts:2

12/23/2006 6:33 AM	Alert
Rep. Chapa LaVia wants to be Congressman from the 14th Dist. Why did she not run in the regular election? I think John Laesch had the gutsto run and spend months doing the necessary work to become the Democratic Candidate. Getting 40 % of the vote in the General Election was very good. I do not think any of our State or Federal officers holders should be dictation to us the Democratic voters who our candidates for Congress shoule be. John Laesch worked hard and did a good job representing us. Let Rep. Chapa LaVia run for Congress the same way all other candidates do. No special favors from our "Party Leaders" letting her run when her Rep. seat is safe. They did nothing to help John Laesch. so they should stay out of any race for Congress in the 14th dist. After there fiasco in the 6th Congressional dist. you would think they would learn there lesson. But know now the want to dictate to us the workers in the 14th Congressional Dist. who we should run for office. Screw Them. Jim Feeley Democratic Precinct Committeeman Oswego #21 Saturday, December 23, 20065:27:30 AM

kpfarrer
Posts:251

12/23/2006 11:02 AM	Alert
I am not here to bash or endorse anyone - just for open discussion. As a member of the KCDCC I will support the Dem candidate. Although I have heard really good things about LaVia, I don't have any personal familiarity w/her and was alarmed by the Hastert comments (I still say they were wildy over-the-top). Before the 14th primary I got to see a bit of Zamora and liked him, but Laesch was the one who put forth the most effort to get involved w/the KCDCC and be accessible. All the potential candidates have great qualities and I hope the big wig dems will provide support to the people's choice.

kpfarrer
Posts:251

12/23/2006 11:05 AM	Alert
... and yes - we need to get all these dems to our meetings to speak to us - that would be great!

tbrophy
Posts:93

12/23/2006 1:10 PM	Alert
We're never going to see anyone from the State Democratic Party in Kendall County - at least not until we can produce vote totals over 50% and bring in a lot of cash for their checking account. I think Madigan and crew should be completely ASHAMED of themselves. Obama and durbin did that which Madigan, et al should have done during this last election cycle. They were out campaigning for the democratic candidates - including Laesch and Holmes (although they could have done better for Laesch) - where the hell were the folks from the State Party - NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. I believe that we will be on our own for quite some time yet. The demographics of this county are definately changing, however, they have not changed enough as yet. What's more important in the 14th is that we only make up a part of the district. Kendall county may not be ready to elect a democrat, but I think the 14th as a whole might. I think Chapa is a great candidate, but I think John Laesch worked harder for this particular position. I will endorse and work for the Democratic candidate that the voters of the 14th District choose. My personal opinion is that it will be John Laesch. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday - enjoy some time with your families!

cyager
Posts:2

12/23/2006 2:17 PM	Alert
I have only lived in this area for 5 years. Although I have often volunteered before, this year was the first time I took responsibility in an election. I am committee precinct chairperson for Na Au Say 3. I have always considered myself a liberal independent until I realized that in my whole life, I always vote Democratic. So, I am a Democrat. But I passionately believe in voting for the best person for an office. That said, here is my two cents worth. I do not know or know of Chapa LaVia, but based on that article, I would not vote for her. Hastert...."role model"? Please. I am not going to insult this blog's readers with a list of Hastert woes (not bashing, but truth). Did she lie to gain repub votes? So, when do I get to trust what she says and that she does not have another agenda that I am not aware of. I will not support someone who says one thing and then changes once that person gets in office. I am going to take you at your word. (Until I learn that your word means nothing). She did not run when the going was tough, so I guess that makes her a good politician. But I don't want a good politician. I want honesty and integrity. I think that is what most us want. I know it is what my precinct wants. Also, in truth, voters pick a candidate for lots of reasons. Usually one issue is a hot button. But I was surprised at how many votes are gained on name recognition. It seems the belief is that you have to dump a can of red paint over your head to get elected in Kendall. I think those days are changing. No, I think those days have already changed. I agree we will not get support from national until we prove ourselves. So, let's put together a plan of action to do that. Can we collect money? That is what it is all about. Money for ads etc for name recognition. Small donations are nice, but big doners are better. How about putting together a target list? Assigning people to them now to find out what makes them tick (and open their wallets). The only way to win is a plan of action now. Answer this question, "If Kendall elects Dems, what would change for the better?" Because when you knock on doors, that is what you have to know. The answer should be universal for all of us. Much as I detest Karl Rove, he had some good ideas. One is to say a few things in simple language over and over and over and .... I strongly supported John because I agree with him on most issues and he is honorable. There is not enough paint remover in the world to let me feel clean again if I dump that can of red paint over my head.

tbrophy
Posts:93

12/23/2006 2:56 PM	Alert
Very well said! I know Chapa LaVia - she is a good person and from my perspective works very hard for veterans and veteran's issues. John can and will do the same. After the holidays, I think you're going to see a lot of planning coming for the next few months. We, as Democrats, don't want to let this opportunity pass us by. I think we'll have a couple of republican challengers in this race - Lauzen for sure and he is well funded and well liked (why I don't know). Frank Cragi should have won the State Senate race. Frank was the better candidate - he knocked the crap out of him during the Farm Bureau debate , and is clearly the better man. That's the biggest obstacle we'll have to overcome in Kendall - causeing people to vote for the Best candidate. Clearly, voters chose Lauzen - why I'll never know. Happy holidays to all!

cyager
Posts:2

12/23/2006 3:45 PM	Alert
Frank should have won. I think we go back to name recognition. Big issue!!!

J.Lausier
Posts:59

12/23/2006 4:58 PM	Alert
Name recognition is important. Chapa LaVia is a well recognized name throughout Kane County at least. She is a gulf war veteran who sits as Vice-Chairman of the Veterans affairs committee - so she's got the Vet's issues covered. She also sits on the primary and secondary education committee - making her familiar with education issues. As a bi-lingual daughter of immigrants, she can position herself as knowledgeable on immigration issues. And as a woman, she has been very active in womens issues as well (particularly womens health issues). Besides that, she's likeable. I think all of this makes her one of the most viable candidates we have (if not the single most viable). As to why she hasn't run yet, I think she's smart enough to realize that she's much more viable when she's not trying to unseat a sitting speaker. She's certainly got a better chance if she waits until the incumbent retires. Again, I don't want to endorse or oppose any prospective candidate yet - heck Hasterts retirement is still speculation at this point. But he will retire eventually - and we want to be very careful not to "bury our own people" before they're even out of the starting gate. This topic has certainly generated a lot of conversation though, and it's good to know ther's so much interest in this.

tbrophy
Posts:93

12/24/2006 11:38 AM	Alert
Nicely said, Jim. I don't think anyone wants to throw stones at any candidate - at least not the Democratic candidates. We'll have to wait an see how it all shakes out in the upcoming months. I think it would be a shame for the democratic candidates to spend all of their hard earned money in a primary race and leave knuckleheads like Lauzen keeping his cash in the bank. This will be an interesting race - IF IT HAPPENS (good point Jim). I hope everyone enjoys Chirstmas and have a great New Year!

J.Lausier
Posts:59

12/24/2006 2:04 PM	Alert
Thanks Tom. You have a great christmas and New Year as well. Everyone have an extra glass of Christmas cheer for me. Jim L

Plainfieldrob
Posts:175

01/04/2007 10:30 AM	Alert
I'll make two points, then let this thread die a peaceful death... 1) Isn't it great we are discussing the future of Kendall Democrats on a public forum? Where else in this county (or nearby counties) can you find and open pasture for political conversation? We should be proud of this board. 2) Denny Hastert is by most accounts, a decent man. I'll say it, because so many other people say it which means it's probably true. Just this morning Danny Davis D-IL 17th said it on NPR. That doesn't mean I didn't want him fired from his job as our Representative, I still do for many reasons. You know more than half of my family are self-described Repbulicans...but I still love them and look up to many of them, even sometimes for their political viewpoints. 3) LaVia, Laesch and even me...are all allowed to run for public office. No one has earned a free pass to Congress in my opinion. You want to represent, you've got to earn it...and that fact the multiple Democrats will be fighting it out for the opportunity to serve our district makes me giddy happy and it should do the same for everyone. I hope more qualified people will find inspiration in Laesch's run and enter politics at every level in our County. Things are changing in Kendall, Tom is right. We just have to keep the momentum going... Happy New Year All...

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