The following is from HRC field organizer and military veteran Lee Reinhart:
Last week, members from Organizing for America, Equality Illinois and American Veterans for Equal Rights joined HRC in an office visit to Senator Mark Kirk here in Chicago. We were excited to gather such a large crowd for our visit, but the size of our groups caused its own challenges.
Kirk’s office couldn’t meet with such a large crowd, so we did everything that we could to make sure that at least one representative from each group got to participate in the visit. And while Kirk’ office only answer to the question of repeal was the recent GOP letter to block any bill before tax cuts had been voted on, we made sure that we were heard clearly when it comes to repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
On a positive note, staff members from Senator Durbin’s got word of our crowd’s visit being soured and took the time to send someone down to the lobby to talk with our group; a couple of us were even able to stop in Senator Durbin’s office as well. In the end our message was loud and clear: no matter happens, we are united to continue this fight until the end.
We must continue to show Senator Kirk that Illinois residents support repeal this year. There is so much at stake and we need your help now. We’re calling HRC members all over the state and transferring them directly to the Senator’s office. If you live in Chicago and can help make calls, (food and drinks provided) or if you are able to join a virtual phonebank from home, please contact Christine.Sloane@hrc.org for details.
