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Parent Article: IL Radio Network locks out Whitney |
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Green Party Headquarters Opens in Carbondale |
by The Southern Illinoisan
nicole.sack (nospam) thesouthern.com (verified) |
Current rating: 0
28 Aug 2006
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With the final decision from the State Board of Elections to be handed down Thursday either upholding or overturning the objection to the Greens ballot access, the headquarters opening is a signal to many supporters that Whitney campaign is finally in full swing.
Preliminary reports from election judges indicate the Greens statewide ticket has cleared the 25,000 petition signature hurdle.
"Really, we've already won the right to be on the ballot, but until it's certified, we're still on pins and needles," Whitney said.
Inside the new headquarters office, located at 606 S. Illinois Ave., the atmosphere was celebratory. Most of the green T-shirt wearing were still excited from Friday evening and their participation in the DuQuoin State Fair Twilight Parade, where they unveiled their unofficial mascot, "The Democracy Chicken."
Whitney said the mascot came about when Gov. Rod Blagojevich refused to participate in a debate if the Greens were invited. However, he said he would square off against Republican challenger Judy Baar Topinka.
"We want the electorate to hear all the points of view, not just the two corporate sponsored candidates," Whitney said.
Jennifer Rose, Whitney's campaign manager, echoed Whitney's remarks saying, "The other candidates are most afraid that if people hear of Rich Whitney, they'll vote for him."
That's what happened to Bob Wright of Energy, who is the Williamson County Democratic precinct committeeman. Wright said he is supporting Whitney for governor after what he said were three years of broken promises from the incumbent.
"I'm just sick of it. If you're going to promise us something, you better have a way to do it," Wright said. "Even with his new energy initiative, Blagojevich has no intentions of following through with his proposal."
Similar sentiments were expressed by Jim Moorman of Carterville, a retired coal miner.
"I've been involved with politics for 50 years. I've supported both Democrats and a Republicans ? this time I'm going with an independent candidate," Moorman said. "I don't can if people call me a turncoat, because I'm just fed up with their lies."
While the Greens proudly tout their independence from corporate campaign contributions, they are seeking funds from private citizens to continue their campaign.
For more information on Rich Whitney, to volunteer time or donate money, visit the headquarters office or call (618) 528-VOTE.
nicole.sack (at) thesouthern.com
(618) 529-5454 ext. 5816 |
See also:
http://www.whitneyforgov.org/
http://www.ilgp.org/
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Related stories on this site:
Whitney Promises to Fight for Full Employment and Bring Good Jobs to Illinois
For Real Clean and Cheaper Energy, Look to the Green Party Plan
IL Radio Network locks out Whitney
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