Bill Richardson to Speak at (IL) Democratic Brunch - 8/13

[Kittycat]

The brunch is open to the public (not just the county delegates), and will take place prior to the day's events for those participating in the State County Convention.

http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=396192&query=

The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association has announced that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will be the keynote speaker for its annual Democratic County Chairmen's Association brunch. The brunch is open to the public and is held on Governor's Day during the Illinois State Fair. This year, the brunch will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 9:00 am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

Alan Pirtle, President of the Chairmen's Association stated, 'It is a tremendous honor to have Governor Richardson visit Illinois and be the featured speaker at our chairmen's brunch. Governor Richardson's visit is especially timely considering all of the excitement surrounding Illinois' own Barack Obama being the Democratic nominee for President and U.S. Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin running for reelection. Senator Durbin was instrumental in helping secure Governor Richardson's visit to Illinois.'

Before being elected New Mexico's governor in 2002, and being re-elected in 2006, Governor Richardson had served as a U.S. Congressman and as a United Nations Ambassador and U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton. Governor Richardson has negotiated the freedom of soldiers, hostages, and prisoners in Iraq, Cuba, the Sudan, and North Korea. He has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. Gov. Richardson ran for President in the 2008 Democratic Primary and later become a supporter of Senator Obama. Governor Richardson's endorsement was seen by many as a turning point in Senator Obama securing the Democratic nomination. Governor Richardson has been referenced by many media outlets as a possible vice-presidential running mate for Senator Obama.

Chairman Pirtle added, 'There is no question that Governor Richardson is one of the most accomplished and respected leaders in the Democratic Party and the nation as a whole. The Democratic County Chairmen in Illinois welcome him and I know all of the Democratic leaders in our state welcome him as well.'

The brunch is open to the public and individual tickets can be purchased for $35. Table sponsorships are available for purchase. For more information about brunch ticket sales and other Democratic County Chairmen's Association activities, please call [phone]. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly recommended.

[mopinko]

1. shit. the brunch is at 9 am?

shit. i don't think we will be there that early.

[Kittycat]

2. Yes :(

I received an email last night that our local dems are going down on Tuesday (they're staying at the Holiday Inn, next door), then leaving early Thursday. We're getting there Tuesday, but staying with family just outside of town.

[mopinko]

3. maybe we will make it.

we are leaving at about 6. they said we had to be there by 10:30 to check in. but, traffic willing we might get there in time for some rubber eggs and cold coffee. it should be about 3 hours. (i think the campaigners around here say everything is 3 hours, just to get people to get on the bus!) traffic could jack it up pretty easily, tho.

[Kittycat]

4. Depends on which way you're coming down.

For us, being far west - we go 71 to 47, and stay on that past 80, until it meets up with I-55. We miss all the congestion through Rte 59, Plainfield and I-80 - which is nice. It cut a solid 30min off our trip - making it 2:40min.

[mopinko]

5. i guess they are not planning to be there for the brunch

damn. they are thinking 10-10:30. crap crap crap

[Kittycat]

6. Darn :(

Keep my number handy, and give me a call around 10:45. We can meet up before things get going.

[mopinko]

7. we should be registering about the time the brunch gets out.

i will take your number. with all those big wigs, it might be hard to get a signal, tho.