Tonight, Thursday, June 12, Gov. Howard Dean, will appear at a fundraiser for the Chicago City Council Progressive Caucus.
Where? Park Tavern Restaurant - Skybox Lounge, 1645 W. Jackson, Chicago, Illinois
When? Host Reception (donors of $500+), 5:30 - 6:00 PM, General Reception, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
How much? Basic ticket is $40
What is the Progressive Caucus?
The concise answer is that when Mayor Rahm Emanuel tried to privatize city services or close public schools, these are the aldermen who ask questions and fight back.
All 50 of Chicago's aldermen are running for re-election in 2015. The aldermen who stand-up to Mayor Emanuel will be targeted by banks and interest groups aligned with the Mayor.
The money raised at this event will both go toward defending current members of the Progressive Caucus and expanding their numbers.
Traditionally, Chicago City Council has been extremely deferential to the Mayor of Chicago.
This has made Chicago vulnerable to various schemes to privatize city services, eg parking meters, red light cameras, speed cameras and schools.
Under Mayor Richard M. Daley, the opposition was small and not very organized.
In 2011, Rahm Emanuel was elected Mayor, but there were some new aldermen elected too.
Working with like-minded alderman, John Arena, Scott Waguespack, and Bob Fioretti organized a standing Progressive Caucus that would formalize cooperation. They seek to promote a more equal and just Chicago.