WurfWhile

Obviously a bit late on this - here’s Bob’s August 20th announcement of his candidacy for Chair of the DuPage County Democrats:

August 20, 2007
TO: Democratic Township Chairs
FR: Bob Peickert
RE: Candidacy

This letter is a follow-up to my e-mail announcing my candidacy for Chair of the DuPage County Democratic Party. I am seeking this position because of my desire to see Democrats from DuPage County elected to state and local offices and to fully integrate the talented and skilled individuals from Operation: Turn DuPage Blue into the county organization. I believe that my experience, ability and dedication qualify me to take on the challenges offered by this position. To augment the background provided below, enclosed is a brief resume in order to give you a more complete understanding of my experience and qualifications.

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Currently, I am serving as 1st Vice-Chair of the Addison Township Democratic Organization as well as Chair of Operation Turn DuPage Blue. In 2006, my run for County Board in District #1 produced 45% of the vote despite being outspent by a 25:1 ratio. In 2004 & 2006, I managed Joe Vosicky’s campaign for Illinois State Representative from District #46. One of my primary responsibilities as Joe’s campaign manager was assembling a team to work on the campaign. The team assembled consisted of individuals who had either worked with other campaigns or who had other expertise essential to running an effective campaign. In 2006, Joe came within 300 votes of being the first DuPage Democrat elected to the Illinois House since Bill Redmond.

Early this year, I was part of a group of concerned DuPage Democrats who developed into an organization now known as Operation: Turn DuPage Blue. In the months since, OTDB has had a substantial impact in DuPage County. OTDB has been successful in recruiting Democratic precinct committeemen, in raising the interest and involvement of local Democrats, in attracting media attention to the growth of Democrats in DuPage and in planning and organizing meaningful programs for activists like “Camp Wellstone”.

As Chair of the DuPage County Democratic Party, I will identify and bring together those individuals who have the experience, desire and expertise needed to succeed in 2008. Many of those are currently in the county organization, township organizations and in OTDB - and my pledge is to work nonstop to bring them together to realize our common goal of electing Democrats in DuPage.

There is no doubt in my mind that my background will allow me to get the job done. My position as Chief of Staff of the largest local labor union in Illinois, my extensive experience in all aspects of the legislative process, and the roles of a small business owner, organizer, trainer, teacher, campaign manager and candidate provide me with the tools necessary for a seamless transition.

The availability of the Chair is vital at this juncture. The importance of this was clearly seen last week when the need to actively combat destructive legislation arose with HB 1752 and SB 662. I was available to put in calls to Senators Harmon, Link and Jones and Representative Froehlich. This effort was coordinated with OTDB members Bob Babcock and Dan Bailey who had important contacts in these offices. Although the battle to change this legislation continues, we were able to have an impact in at least one area of the legislation. It is critical that we expand the number of our volunteers and utilize the talent that exists within all of the Democratic organizations in DuPage County.

I would welcome the opportunity to address your members at a township meeting and to answer their questions about my candidacy. I look forward to a fruitful future of collaborative progress and to Democratic victory in DuPage in 2008 and beyond.

Respectfully and sincerely yours,

Bob Peickert
bobpeickert@msn.com