IDCCA President’s Message
by Kristina Zahorik, IDCCA President
@ILDCCA @McHenryDems

Dear County Chairs and Friends,

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe.

We all are doing our part to do the best we can during this pandemic. While many of us are hunkered down, there are countless unsung heroes who are on the front lines. Thank you to all who are working to flatten the curve.

Regardless of where you live in the state, we are all in this together. There are a lot of questions surrounding the pandemic — particularly what is happening in Illinois. The IDCCA has compiled a list of resources. You can click here to visit our website to find more information.

The New York Times has also put together some very informative maps on the spread of COVID – 19 in Illinois. You can view these maps by clicking here. They are also tracking how Illinoisans are complying with Governor JB Pritzker’s stay–at–home order on this map. Kudos to most of us!

Two things we hear a lot in politics are “Elections have consequences” and “This is the most important election.”

This year truly underscores and highlights who we elect is not just important, it could save our life or the lives of those we love.

Democrats are leading the way to safety. Democrats are focused on winning this war for people, not profits. Democrats are providing trusted, accurate information with active plans to save lives. They are doing it without the leadership or guidance from the federal government.

Like you, I am so thankful we elected leaders like Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. They are providing proactive measured governance. View Governor Pritzker’s daily coronavirus updates at 2:30pm by clicking here.

While this is a serious time, we need some good news and even a little lighthearted humor. Last week, Governor Pritzker launched ALL IN ILLINOIS. Jim Halpert from The Office.. sorry… actor John Krasinski, launched a YouTube series called “Some Good News” and reunited the original cast of Hamilton to surprise a young fan with the opening number from the hit Broadway show. Disney released Frozen 2 early. ESPN is also getting in on the good news by announcing that The Last Dance, a series about the historic second “three-peat” by the Chicago Bulls, will be released early.

To be clear, this should not be a partisan issue, but by every measure, only one side of the aisle seems to be stepping up and governing.

A few words on the March primary. Female candidates were successful. When lone women candidates ran in contested races, they won. Overall turnout in the state was low, but Democrats consistently outperformed Republicans. We saw significant increases in Early Voting & Vote By Mail throughout the state. These trends bode well for Democrats in November.

The work of the IDCCA is even more significant now. The IDCCA builds the Party, trains Democrats, and elects Democrats. In addition, the work the IDCCA and our County Parties do around ensuring the mechanics of elections, such as having Central Committees, appointing Election Judges, filling the ballot, training, poll watching, registering voters, and providing information about voting, protects our democracy.

As an organization rooted in door-to-door organizing, these are challenging times – but we are up to the challenge. We are shifting our resources, projects, and training to on-line. We recognize we can’t reach everyone we need to in Illinois by computer; thus, are also working on mailings, phone banking, and texting programs.

The IDCCA has provided guidance to the County Parties on their upcoming County Conventions and on grassroots outreach efforts to check-in on Democrats. We are working to fill the ballot throughout the state, so no Republican goes unchallenged. Check out our social media over the next couple of weeks as we launch our statewide Candidate Recruitment Search Engine!

We have shifted the REV Project to a virtual phone bank so anyone can volunteer from the safety of their home to help build the Party, Get Out The Vote, and encourage Vote By Mail for November so Democrats win. You can sign-up to be a REV volunteer by clicking here.

The IDCCA Boot Camp will be moving on-line as well. We are working with the National Democratic Training Committee, various partners, and the IDCCA Leadership Circle to provide a unique learning experience for candidates, Democratic leaders, and campaign staff. Make sure to follow our social media to find out when applications will open for this year’s Boot Camp.

On a personal note – please stay home and bless those on the frontlines. Many of you have heard me speak about my 86-year-old Danish immigrant father-in-law, Ole. He had been a staunch Republican until Trump. We are awaiting confirmation, but we think he is battling COVID–19, as is my nephew and his husband. Ole is at the beginning of his struggle home alone. My nephew and his love are moving toward recovery. Thank you in advance for your well wishes and prayers. May you and yours remain healthy.

This virus, this Trump Administration, has tested us.

I am committed to do all I can to stop it and him. I know you are, too.

Thank you for all you do.

Best wishes,

Kristina