A response from Amy of O:TDB, who reminds Michael that there is no "r" in her name. :)
Operation: Turn DuPage Blue is thrilled at the movement that is going on here in DuPage. Tension is a result of any transformational process (a necessity, in fact) and OTDB is part of the transformational process in DuPage democracy so it's no surprise the two are being associated. Democrats of all stripes all over DuPage are working together, challenging each other, and regrouping in an effort to — like rocks in one of those noisy polishers — bring out our best qualities as well as toughen up for the task ahead.
In the next 4-12 years, DuPage local, state, and federal representation is going to change for the better and begin working on behalf of everyone who lives here, not just the Republican party. Several forces are at work: 1) the Bush Administration and its disastrous war have been a huge wake-up call for those who have reflexively voted Republican all their lives 2) more people of color are making productive new lives in the suburbs and 3) the grassroots Dems with the help of DFA, PDA, Peace and Justice Groups etc. have made great electoral strides, nearly winning a state rep race. We all know the time is near for the quantum leap that will change the face of DuPage and we plan to be ready.
We welcome anyone who understands and respects the tension and inherent benefits of this transformation in DuPage to join us at our next meeting on June 28th. Professor, author, columnist, former alderman, and party-machine cracker Dick Simpson will be our speaker. He will tell us how our campaign to break this arcane one-party stranglehold might be best done and help us all understand how vital our involvement is to this task. Please go to www.turndupageblue.com for more information.
In August, OTDB, along with the Greater Chicago Caucus, has invited Camp Wellstone to the College of DuPage. Spaces are limited and we would like DuPage activists to have first run (particularly those who are interested in candidacy) so please write to otdb@ameritech.net if you would like to start off August of 2007 and the election season in the most productive way possible. Please check out the Wellstone website at www.wellstone.org to see the general outline of their camps but please contact Operation Turn DuPage Blue if you wish to attend the Aug 3-5 Camp. Things are happening in DuPage and the final goal is to beat Republicans by getting more Dems on the street. OTDB is, and has always been, incredibly committed to doing just that and will continue to work in concert with anyone or any group who shares that goal.
