Victory!  This is an historic moment.  The Green Party is now a legally established, statewide political party in Illinois.  Membership in the Illinois Green Party has exploded as a result of the Whitney for Governor campaign, and we want you to help us to continue to grow the Green Party.  Unlike some other political parties, the Green Party is part of a larger, international movement that continues to work on important issues even between elections.  Please continue the fight and get involved today!

Rockford Register Star Endorses Whitney

By the Rockford Register Star Editorial Board, Oct. 31

"There is a choice, and this Editorial Board is making it by endorsing Rich Whitney, the Green Party candidate, for Illinois governor. We believe Whitney, a 51-year-old attorney from Carbondale, could clean up state government while leading Illinois toward school finance reform, job growth, environmental responsibility and social justice."

More Endorsements

• State School News Service endorses Whitney
• NIU's Northern Star endorses Whitney
• Daily Illini endorses Whitney
• Southwest News-Herald endorses Whitney
• The Argus (IWU) endorses Whitney
• Chicago Tribune: Breuer would "shake things up"
• Chicago Sun-Times: Breuer a "thoughtful candidate"

QUOTATIONS

By Tom Broderick, columnist, Wednesday Journal

"The choice has seldom been more concrete: platitudes for the status quo or a clean government that is of, by and for the people. Rich Whitney refuses all corporate campaign money. He will ban campaign contributions from state contractors, their owners and officers. I am so happy to have this choice in the election." Wednesday Journal, Oct. 17

By Chuck Sweeny, columnist, Rockford Register Star

"I’ve been so disgusted by the Illinois governor’s race — “You’re George Ryan,” “No, you’re George Ryan” — that I’ve been considering voting for the Green Party candidate, Rich Whitney. He’s an attorney in Carbondale who is to the left of the other candidates, who are kinda, sorta center left. Rockford Register Star, Oct. 8

Daily Southtown columnist Kristen McQueary writes:

"...Until you, the voters, support candidates who advocate a switch to the income tax, we will continue relying on gamblers, smokers and your rising property tax bills to fund public education. The only candidate openly supporting a classic "tax swap" is the Green Party's Rich Whitney." Daily Southtown, Oct. 8

Conscious Choice editor-in-chief Charles Shaw writes:

"Although leading in the polls, Blagojevich is unpopular, untrusted, and under investigation. Less than half of the electorate approves of him, and one quarter has a “very unfavorable” opinion of him.

...But more than any antipathy, Whitney will tell you it’s his no-nonsense platform that resonates with voters and frightens the Democrats."

HELP GREENS WIN ON ELECTION DAY

After months of campaigning, Election Day is finally here. Despite the tireless efforts of a massive grassroots organization, Rich Whitney and other Green candidates can't win without YOUR support on Election Day. Here are the ways you can help:

• Vote, and vote Green! The more people who vote in this election, the better Greens will do. If you can, try to vote early in the morning.
• Remind your friends, family, coworkers to vote. Offer to assist those who can't easily make it to the polls. And if you haven't already, tell them about Rich Whitney and other Green candidates.
• Immediately report any problems you experience with voting equipment or instructions -- or any irregularities -- to local election officials and to the Illinois Green Party.
• Attend an Election Night celebration! Cheer on the Greens at any of our Election Night celebrations across the state. Everyone is invited -- stop by and say hello, and meet the candidates and mingle with grassroots volunteers! List of Election Night celebrations

To get involved with the Illinois Green Party, fill out our Get Involved! form at www.ilgp.org/volunteer 

Audio/Video Clips

• VIDEO: Rich Whitney appeared on ABC-7 News, Chicago Article/Video
• AUDIO: Rich Whitney appeared on Fox News Sunday, Chicago (Ch. 32) Listen. (MP3, 5 Minutes)
• AUDIO: Rich Whitney appeared on Chicago Tonight on WTTW (Ch. 11) Listen (MP3, 7 Minutes).

• VIDEO: The Illinois Channel interviewed Rich Whitney. Watch Watch (WMA, 30 Minutes).

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Get Involved

• Make a Donation
• Host a house party
• Volunteer

• Join the Illinois Green Party

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Support Green Candidates

The Illinois Green Party is running a full slate of candidates for statewide offices in 2006, along with several legislative and local offices across the state.

“We believe that everyone in Illinois should have the chance to vote for someone that reflects his or her values. If you believe in grassroots democracy, social justice, ecological wisdom, and nonviolence, the Green Party offers you a chance to see your values reflected in your state’s government,” said Phil Huckelberry, state party co-chair.

Our candidates are:

The Illinois Green Party is also running candidates for local office including:

• Dorian Breuer for 1st State Senate (near S.W. side of Chicago)
• Kathy Cummings for 4th State Rep (Wicker Park area of Chicago)
• Nathan Helsabeck - 8th State Representative (Oak Park, Berwyn, Austin)
• Phil Huckelberry for 88th State Rep (Bloomington-Normal)
• Tom Abram for 103rd State Rep (Champaign-Urbana)
• Charlie Howe for 115th State Rep (Carbondale and surrounding area)
• Kostas Yfantis for Champaign County Board (7th)
• Joe Futrelle for Champaign County Board (8th)
• Nick Mann for Champaign County Board (9th)
• Brad Klein for Jackson County Board (4th)
• Jennifer Vaughn for Jackson County Board (6th)
• Julie Sommer, write-in, Union County Commissioner