Democrats rally at Illinois State Fair ahead of midterms, decrying costs and corruption
Sen. Dick Durbin frequently honored
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Democrats from around the state rallied in Springfield Wednesday morning in the unofficial kickoff to the political season.
It's Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair, and the festivities started with a breakfast gathering that included a host of tributes to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who is retiring.
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The breakfast brought together more than 2,000 Democrats from every county around the state to energize the party faithful as they look ahead to the November election.
The rallying cry was elect more Democrats, with speaker after speaker offering tributes to Durbin.
Durbin frequently found himself in the spotlight Wednesday morning as he prepares to close the final chapter on a political career that began more than 40 years ago.
"In his decades of public service, he has represented our state well and made life better for people all across our country, Sen. Durbin from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything," Lt. Gov. candidate Christian Mitchell said.
In a packed auditorium in Springfield, Gov. JB Pritzker said this election represents a contrast for voters.
"I think it's instructive for us to put side by side the two visions of Illinois: the one put forward by Darren Bailey, Donald Trump and their Illinois Republican Party, and the one put forward by Democrats in Illinois," Pritzker said.
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President Donald Trump was the source of frequents attacks.
"We went all the way to the Supreme Court to tell Donald Trump: Don't toy with Illinois," Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said.
Two candidates for Chicago mayor, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who is not running for reelection, and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who is running for reelection, also spoke.
Keynote speaker Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren talked about the importance of the fight ahead in November.
"We are fighting Republicans on two fronts: costs and corruption," Warren said. "Our job as Democrats is to lower the costs and to end this corruption right now."
Durbin spoke at his final Democratic Party Chairs' breakfast, as the party builder award was renamed to honor him.
"Your support through your votes and efforts have given me a chance to serve. I have tried to return your favor to make sure I look back on that ladder and have somebody up behind me. That is the future of our party, and we can remember it at every possible level," Durbin said.
Governor's Day continues at the fairgrounds Wednesday, where party leaders will once again encourage Democrats to get involved this election.
On Thursday, it will be Republicans day at the fair.
