The Rock Island County Democrats received notice from the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC) that their candidates forum was canceled a few days before it was scheduled for this past Sunday, October 5th. This would have been the second time both Parties would have participated in this forum in Rock Island County. The notice said that the event was canceled "due to circumstances beyond our control." Chairman House said, "Public forums are key in letting voters know who their candidates are and where they stand on issues. It is unfair to the voters of Rock Island County in both our majority communities & our communities of color to not have access to their candidates and elected officials during this time of elections."

After the no show of the Republican Candidates at the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce forum last Wednesday at Augustana College, Rock Island County Republican Party Chairman Bill Bloom was questioned by our local media about Republican Candidates not showing up, he replied that the moderator from previous forums by the GQCHCC "gave more leeway to Democrats." He also said that the Republican Candidates might have thought the forum was not the best use of their time.

Chairman Doug House said, "It is very disrespectful to ignore our voters and while they try to run and hide, Republicans like Bobby Schilling will never be able to escape their Tea Party Agenda which is not inclusive of our nations diverse populations and the majority of our voters."
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Event to highlight contributions of working men & women

The Rock Island County Democratic Central Committee's 47th Annual "Salute to Labor" will feature good food, good family fun and a line-up of elected officials and statewide candidates gathered to honor the contributions of working men and women.

Among those confirmed as attending on Monday, September 1, 2014, at Illiniwek Park in Hampton, include : U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Lt. Governor & Comptroller candidate Sheila Simon, U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, Lt. Governor candidate Paul Vallas and State Treasurer candidate, State Senator Mike Frerichs.

Two long-time members of the Quad Cities labor community - Joe Terronez and Marshall Douglas Sr. - will receive special recognition at the Labor Day picnic.

Also in attendance will be leaders from the Quad City Federation of Labor, the Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council along with Quad City area elected officials including State Sen. Mike Jacobs and State Reps. Pat Verschoore and Mike Smiddy.

"I look forward to joining U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, other statewide officials and my friends in the Quad Cities to help celebrate and salute the significant contributions working men and women have made, over generations, to the quality of life and the economy of the region," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor Paul Vallas echoed Senator Durbin's message. "I am honored to stand alongside our good friends in the Quad Cities to make the case that this campaign is a choice between the government of the many versus the government of the money," said Vallas. "The question at the heart of this campaign has to deal with which party is best equipped to help rebuild the middle class in Illinois and the answer couldn't be more clear."

"We welcome families from throughout the Quad Cities to attend this family-friendly event," said Doug House, Chair of the Rock Island County Democratic Central Committee.

Tickets, which are $10 for adults and $6 for children under 12, will include a tasty chicken dinner and may be purchased at the event. Bounce houses for children will be on the picnic grounds and food and refreshments will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The official program of speakers will start at 1:00 p.m.  For more information, please call (309) 786-8337.

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The Rock Island County Democratic Central Committee will hold its County Convention on Wednesday, April 16, 2014. Illinois state election law requires counties to hold county conventions each even-numbered April for party chairs to be elected.

Members of the Democratic Central Committee of Rock Island County will vote to elect a party chair to serve a two-year term. The County Convention will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the Laborer's #309 Union Hall, 2835-7th Avenue, Rock Island.

In addition, the Rock Island County Democratic Hispanic Caucus will hold its Cinco de Mayo fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at the Moline American Legion, 1623-15th Street, Moline.

The cost, which is $10 per plate, includes authentic Mexican food and tickets are available at the door the night of the event.

"We are excited about this event which raises diversity awareness, brings people together and generates new support for our Democratic Party," said Doug House, Rock Island County Democratic Party Chair. "This is also part of our party's concerted effort to reach out and to celebrate the diversity of our community and our party."

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