December 2005	The Addison Democrat Newsletter of the Addison Township Democrats
Newsletter Date                                                                                                          Volume 1, Number 1
December 14 7:30 PM DuPage Democratic Headquarters Rohlwing Rd. and North Ave. Holiday Pizza Party Please join us! In This Issue War Takes Center Stage in 6^th District Race What You Should Know About the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan ATDO Legislative Breakfast Planned November Meeting Minutes · an Effective Upcoming Meeting:	War Takes Center Stage in 6^th District Race President Bush’s plans for an eventual withdrawal of military activity in Iraq are stirring the emotions of the candidates in the hotly contested race to succeed veteran U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde in the 6^th Congressional District. Democratic candidate Christine Cegelis of Rolling Meadows was first out of the gate with a response critical of Bush’s Nov. 30 “National Strategy for Victory in Iraq” speech, where he outlined an eventual Iraq exit strategy. The speech included the expectation that some U.S. forces could begin to withdraw from Iraq next year, but did not set a specific time for an exit. Cegelis called the president’s comments “too little, too late”, and said she felt the Bush administration should establish “reasonable timelines” for withdrawal. “I think, like most people, I was disappointed by the speech because it didn’t have anything we haven’t heard before, and didn’t come up with a plan (for withdrawal)”, she said.  “I think many people are feeling very frustrated that we’re still in Iraq without any sort of goal post to shoot for.  We need to come up with a plan for strategic redeployment of our troops.” Republican front-runner and state Sen. Peter Roskam, R-48^th District, said he feels setting a timetable for an exit from Iraq is inappropriate until the region is stabilized with an independent government and military. “I think the idea of putting forth an artificial timetable (for withdrawal) is flawed thinking, and I think history bears that out”, he said.  “I think we need to keep in mind the nature or our involvement in Iraq, and that is to create a stable environment. “I think every American is like-minded in wanting to accomplish that goal as soon as possible and wanting our troops to come home as soon as possible.  But setting an artificial timetable seems superficial to me, and would only embolden the radical elements within Iraq”, Roskam added. Democratic candidate Lindy Scott, a Wheaton college professor and opponent of the Iraq war, favored setting a timeline for troop withdrawal. “I think public opinion is forcing (Bush) to move on this issue, and I think he is responding to public pressure”, he said.  “I think if we truly believe the Iraqi government is independent and responsive to their people, we should work in conjunction with them for removal of our troops and make it clear we’re not interested in long-term involvement (in Iraq)”. Announced Republican candidate John Vivoda, a Glen Ellyn resident and president of the Glen Ellyn School District 41 Board of Education, said he agreed with the president’s strategy. “Imagine if we just pulled out in Europe, Japan or Korea; we still have troops (in those places).  This is a situation where we either trust the generals, security advisers and military apparatus or we don’t”, he said.  “Getting out (of Iraq) is not really an option”. Public opinions on the Iraq war may have a large impact on the congressional race in next March’s Democratic primary. Cegelis, who garnered 44 percent of the vote against Hyde in the 2004 general election, could face yet another challenger in the March Democratic primary from U.S. Army Maj. Tammy Duckworth, a Hoffman Estates resident who does not live in the 6^th District. Formal candidate filings will take place beginning next week. Duckworth, a helicopter pilot who lost both her legs in Iraq after a November 2004 grenade attach, has not formally announced her candidacy, but is reportedly being courted to seek the seat by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, chaired by U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-5^th District, of Chicago. Cegelis said she is undaunted by the possibility of her party backing another candidate. “I think the national (Democratic) party feels they are doing what they need to do, and I feel I need to continue running because I wasn’t to do what’s best for the district”, she said.  “(Duckworth) is not from the district; I’m the person who, for the last two years, has been going through the district and learning the issues.” Press Publications/Northeast DuPage                                                                  Jim Harris                                                                  Staff Writer What You Should Know About the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Why do United States citizens pay the highest drug prices of any industrialized country in the world?  How can Canada advertise 40 to 80 percent off our retail prices? Canada uses bulk purchasing to negotiate the lowest possible prices.  They pass these prices along to their citizens, who need only go to their favorite drug store to buy them. So, why doesn’t Congress do this for the American people? Instead, the Republican Congress and the President have given our seniors a terribly confusing Medicare prescription drug plan, and they have given $720 billion dollars of taxpayer money to insurance companies and HMOs.  All so they can give a “discount” off the highest drug prices in the world. On March 4, 2004, FAMILIESUSA reported that from January 2002 to January 2003, the prices of the top 50 drugs prescribed for seniors increased almost three-and-one-half time the rate of inflation. A Chicago Tribune article dated May 26, 2004 reports that in the year from January 2003 to January 2004, the top 30 name brand drugs prescribed for seniors increased an average 4.3 times the rate of inflation. In their annual 500 issue, Fortune Magazine showed the ten prescription drug companies making average profits more than double all the other 490 corporations. The prescription drug bill was written to benefit these corporations, not our seniors. Two bills have been entered in Congress, House Bill H.R. 752 and Senate Bill S.873.  These bills would do two things: (a) offer a Medicare operated prescription drug plan in every area of the United States, and (b) require the Secretary of Medicare and Medicaid Services to negotiate for the lowest possible drug prices. House Bill H.R. 752 and Senate Bill S.873 would work just like other Medicare approved fee-for-service plans.  There would be a $35 monthly premium, and maximum $3600 out-of-pocket before catastrophic coverage kicked in.  But, price negotiation would cut drug prices greatly and improve benefits.  Medicare would use its more than 43 million beneficiaries, seniors and disabled, to negotiate for the lowest possible prices.  We would get a lot more drugs for the money spent. That is how Canada, Europe and Australia keep drug prices low. What seniors want and need is a drug plan that is reliable and affordable, not all the confusion and paperwork connected with the prescription drug bill that has been passed. We should also allow importation of bulk drugs from safe sources.  Canada and Europe do this all the time to save costs. Wouldn’t it be simpler if we had just given the prescription drug bill to Medicare to administer? You can help.  Contact your Senators and Representatives.  Let them know you want them to support Senate Bill S.873 and House Bill H.B. 752.  Let them know that you want bulk importation from safe sources to further lower prices.  Then, it will be up the Representatives and Senators to decide whether to bring drug prices down. Warren Hineline                                                                  Democratic Precinct Committeeman                                                                  Bensenville ATDO Legislative Breakfast Planned The ATDO will sponsor what we hope will be an annual legislative breakfast, with the purpose of fundraising and bringing recognition to the ATDO and DuPage county.  We will be inviting state, local and national Democratic candidates; as well as state and local elected officials.  Invitations will also go out to other Democratic township organizations, labor organizations, etc.  This event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2006. We could use some volunteers to help with planning, making phone calls, etc.  If you’d be willing to help, please call: Art Remus  630-832-1525 or Barb Allamian  630-860-2432 November Meeting Minutes Meeting called to order by chair, on November 16, 2005 at 7.30 P.M. Introduction of guests, Christine Cegelis, Dr. Lindy Scott both candidates for the 6^th Congressional District, Joe Vosicky candidate for State Rep 46^th , Carol Davis, York Township representing Rita Gonzales candidate for Addison District Board.1   Finance-report on Labor Day picnic, a financial success                                     Finance Officer will handle financial affairs for County board candidates, District 1 1^st vice chair Rob LaScola gave a presentation on recruitment with a positive attitude to obtain new members. Bob Peickert presented a proposal for a fundraiser to host a legislative Breakfast in Early” February, all in favor. Motion to adopt, second, MC Bob will chair. Ask for volunteers on the committee, Angelo, Joe, Art Candidate’s petitions were circulated. Chair noted that registration closes 14 days before election, and re-opens 2 days after. DuPage Democrats Holiday party November 30 Addison, York, and Bloomingdale Holiday Party, December 7 at the Log Cabin Chair asked for articles for Newsletter, Barb has a deadline for the 1^st of each Month Guests remarks, Christine Cegelis talked about her campaign, going to Washington DC this weekend, talked about airlines and bankruptcies,,  Drug Plans, Good Insurance Fundraiser Pizza all you can eat $30.00 Early December. Thanked Addison for support. Dr. Lindy Scott spoke on a special bill on immigration and reaching people and their religion. Try to bring these people back to the Democratic Party, Talked about food for the needy, and Immigrants. Answered questions on his campaign. Campaign Brunch November 19, 10 A.M. $12.00.  Joe Vosicky thanked Addison for the help and support, needs help with Petitions.  Carol Davis reported that on December 2^nd Illinois Hispanic Caucus, also that Rita was unable to attend. Carol passed out Rita Petition. Chair reminded everyone to check their address of the polling place, as changes have been made on different locations due to consolidation of voters polling places. Bring your petitions to the holiday party for a notary public. December meeting, Pizza Party, TBA  Reminder:  send news articles to Barb. Motion to adjourn 9 P.M.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Respectfully,                                                                                                             Jan Remus
The Addison Democrat is edited by Barb Allamian. Please send news and story ideas to: barballamian@aol.com