Weekly Update (10/26/07)

Possible Early Resignation Leaves Opening for DAPAC Candidate
Last week, reports emerged that former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, the Congressman from Illinois' 14th district, will probably be resigning before the end of his term. In August, Hastert announced that he would not seek reelection in 2008, but recent reports from Republican aides suggest he will resign near the end of this year. This news is especially exciting to DAPAC because we have already endorsed a great progressive candidate, John Laesch, in this district.

Laesch's campaign has stated that they are ready to fight and win this seat now. They have a strong grassroots organization, and many volunteers on the ground in the district. Laesch has a strong voice as a military veteran who wants to end the Iraq war now, and he will champion progressive values when elected to Congress.

Earlier this week, Hastert was vague on the issue of his early resignation. In an interview, he said that reports have been exaggerated, and that he is unsure of how long he will stay in Congress for now. There is speculation that Hastert is postponing a formal announcement to prevent a special election for this seat from being held on February 5th of next year, which is the date of the presidential primary. This primary is expected to bring high Democratic turnout, so it is in the Republican interest to delay Hastert's resignation.

Either way, John Laesch will fight for this seat, and is excited at the prospect of bringing progressive change to Congress earlier than expected. You can help us prepare for this early fight now and donate online by clicking here.

Democratic Presidential Candidates Address the Issues Voters Value

In a CBS News poll out this week, the Democrats running for president were rated higher than the Republicans for addressing the most important issues. A majority of Democrats (53%) say that the candidates in their party are addressing the issues relevant to them, while only 13% of Republicans felt the same about their candidates. In fact, Republicans, as well as Independents, believe that the Democratic field address the relevant issues more than the Republicans. These results, in addition to polls released in previous weeks, reaffirm the strength of the Democratic candidates, and the likelihood of a Democratic president in 2008.