Public Theology: Moments

Dear Friend,

Dan gave a speech yesterday to the City Club of Chicago that I think you should see.

He spoke very personally and passionately about his vision for Illinois and the need for new leadership. Rich Miller of Capitol Fax called it "the most powerful case I've yet seen for why he decided to run."

You can see video from the speech by clicking the image below and read the full transcript here.

Dan spoke in depth about his comprehensive plans to fix the budget, create jobs and restore trust in our government, but it was how he concluded that had the audience rapt:

[T]o make any of these things reality – to bring sanity and fairness to our budget, to restore jobs and grow our economy, and yes, even to ensure that our government is ethical and working for us, the people it serves – we need new leadership. Not new leadership as merely a synonym for "not Pat Quinn," or as another way to say "vote for me," but a different outlook, and a clear vision…

You see, at the end of the day, this campaign is not about Pat Quinn. And it's not about me. It's certainly not about Rod Blagojevich, despite what our friends on the other side of the aisle would lead you to believe.

What I know – and this is something I couldn't fully appreciate a decade ago – is that it's all about my three boys, and your sons and your daughters. It's about the future. And nothing makes the future more real than seeing the light in your children's eyes.

When my boys were just babies, and I'd be up late at night taking care of them, my mind would wander, and I'd try to picture them in the days to come. Taking their first steps. Walking across a stage to get their diplomas. Walking down the aisle. Walking their own kids to school.

I see these things now, too.

In this, I share the same dreams as any parent in Illinois.

It is this simple thing, a family's growth, the decades to come, an eye to the future, all of our hopes and dreams. It is this -- that the election is about.

I know I may not always be the most charismatic campaigner, or the most dynamic personality. But you know who I am, and you know where I'll stand. And I am fixed firmly on what this state can be, and why it matters. And ultimately, that's what is demanded now. Now is the time -- that we cannot afford to waste.

This is our moment, and I am ready.

I know this is hard to believe, but the election is less than a month away. Still, with the early primary, people are just beginning to tune in. If you like what you see, help Dan make his case by passing this speech along to 10 people you know – it certainly helps if they are registered to vote in Illinois, too.

And then click here to volunteer for the campaign. And if you really like what you see, you can make a contribution of $10, $20 or $50 here.

Yesterday's speech was an important moment. People are just beginning to tune in, and Dan is saying exactly what they're thinking. Help us spread the word, and help us win February 2nd.

Thank you for all you do.

Very truly yours,

Matt McGrath
Communications Director
Hynes for Governor

PS: The Chicago Current blog said that in his speech, Dan "laid out a broad vision for reform." This is the message that resonates with voters who know we can do better. Help us spread Dan's winning message with a contribution of $10, $20 or $50 today and build our team by forwarding this email to every Illinois voter you know who would appreciate it.