I was pleased to have had the opportunity this past Thursday to meet face-to-face with 6th District Congressional Candidate, Democrat Ben Lowe of Wheaton. I sat down with Ben, and with consultant Kevin Spidel of Patriot Strategies, who, as you may remember, managed the 2006 primary race here in IL-06 for Christine Cegelis, another fine progressive candidate. In the picture above, Ben is signing my copy of his book, Green Revolution.
I have to say that I am very impressed with Ben. He is a warm, intelligent and articulate person with very progressive ideals coupled with a healthy dose of political realism. I think he has the potential to speak to the concerns of a wide variety of 6th district contituencies and bring them together to defeat Roskam, who caters to big corporations and offers nothing to help a district experiencing exceptionally hard times. Ben’s discussion of issues like healthcare and immigration reform and global climate change in terms like “justice” and “human rights” is music to my ears. I can’t wait to see Ben elected. (I kind of wanted to bring him home with me but Kevin intervened).
In the time before the primary, Ben says he will be heavily focused on getting out to meet folks in the district and listenening to their concerns. He is anxious to meet with groups, large and small, and encouraging anyone who is interested to host a coffee for friends and neighbors to get together with Ben.
Ben reports that he is also heavily focused at present on fundraising, a necessary evil when running against an opponent like Roskam who is well-funded by big corporations and extremist interest groups. Ben says that fund raising efforts are starting out well but he has a long way to go. Please consider making whatever donation you can afford through Ben’s website.
I am hoping that the more distinguished bloggers covering the 6th district who follow Roskam will getto know Ben and help to get the word out about his candidacy. Come on Progress Illinois, Prairie State Blue, Bridget in the Sixth, Wurfwhile, Heartland Progressive – this is a great progressive candidate. He deserves your support – or at least your consideration. Peter Roskam is the worst. Lets not allow him to coast to another re-election.
Related posts:
- Does the Evangelical Movement Belong in the Democratic Party?
- Peter Roskam Challenger Ben Lowe Meets Filing Deadline
- Lets Make 2010 Peter Roskam’s Last Year in Office
- Wake Up 6th District! You Have the Worst Congressman in the World: Peter Roskam
- Challenger Ben Lowe Rejects Peter Roskam’s Gitmo Hysteria
The Heartland Progressive has meet with Ben at his recent open house and was similarly impressed by his character, demeanor and progressive spirit and agenda. As a DuPage County precinct committeeman I will be canvassing my precinct of about 100 households to garner a big vote for Ben in the primary and general election.
Glad to hear it, Walt. Thanks for your efforts toward securing better representation for all of us.
Aren’t you just glossing over the fact that he is a creationist anti-choice “progressive”? It seems you will ignore these inconvenient truths just to defeat Roskam at any cost. I don’t think we need another Democrat-In-Name-Only out there. These DINO’s have become the embarrassment of the party. Because of them, the health care effort has been largely monopolized by anti-choice zealots like another DINO named Bart Stupack.
I agree that there shouldn’t be a litmus test on the small things, but strongly assert that, yes, any one who runs as a Democratic candidate should adhere to some core principles. Being pro-choice is one of them in my opinion.
Don’t be blinded by your disapproval of Mr. Roskam. Instead of wasting time and money on an anti-choice creationist just because he calls himself a Democrat, let’s spend our efforts attracting a true progressive Democratic candidate.
If you would take the trouble to find out, you would learn that Ben is not a creationist. Nor is he an “anti-choice zealot” or a “DINO”. I like Ben because he is committed to working for economic, environmental and social justice. My support for him is not merely based in his not being Roskam, though that is indeed a point in is favor. He is a true progressive Democrat. I think it is you who is being blinded by your prejudice. You should find an opportunity to get acquainted with Ben before you write him off.