AURORA — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin made a campaign swing here Saturday to support his party's candidate in the newly drawn 83rd House District.

Democrat Linda Chapa LaVia is running a grass-roots campaign to win voter approval on Nov 5.

"We have an opportunity to capitalize on new diversity and independence of the voters," Durbin said.

Durbin said he is most impressed with Chapa LaVia's credentials as an officer in the military, successful businesswoman, wife and mother.

"She brings to this race for state representative extraordinary qualities and skills," he said. "I am honored to be able to come out and help her. I hope the voters get to know her."

Durbin, a U.S. senator since 1997, is in his own race for re-election in November. Republican Jim Durkin is seeking to unseat the incumbent senator.

Durbin was flanked by a group of supporters who gathered at Andriana's Cafe on the city's West Side.

"This whole campaign is about the people," said Sal Valadez, who was host for Saturday's event.

Valadez said not only Democrats but also independents and Republicans are endorsing Chapa LaVia, a 36-year old small-business owner and real-estate broker.

Valadez said she would best represent the interests of the community in Springfield.

"For us, that's the bottom line," Valadez said. "Everyone is important to her. She understands every voice in our community is important and needs to be heard."

Chapa LaVia said education, job opportunities, supporting seniors and families, as well as strengthening the community are her primary focuses.

"We have severe issues with the gangs, crimes and drugs," she said. "No one has ever been able to bridge the gap between the community and City Hall. I want to do that with all the passion, energy and love I have in my heart for Aurora. We need to get someone in there who will make our city the best it can be. We have great potential here."

In addition to Durbin, Chapa LaVia's campaign has attracted other political leaders, among them U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Chicago.

Valadez said Chapa LaVia understands police alone cannot solve the city's gang-related violence.

"Her efforts are not going to wither after the election," he said. "We plan to conduct neighborhood watches and meet with the community."

Valadez said he was a strong advocate for the redistricting.

"We felt our interests for many in the city of Aurora were not represented as well as they could have been. Part of the problem was the fact that our district was fragmented," he said.

"People who have not participated in the political process in the past now see they have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice."

State Rep. Susana Mendoza, from the near northwest side of Chicago, predicted victory for Chapa LaVia.

"This one is going to be a win for us. The Hispanic community in Aurora has never had a state elected official ever representing them," she said. "It's historic for this town. We're excited about it."

Durbin said he was saddened by the tragic loss of Sen. Paul Wellstone of Minnesota, who, along with his wife, daughter and five others, was killed in a plane crash Friday.

"It breaks my heart," Durbin said, adding that Wellstone was one of his closest friends in the Senate.

"He was a man of character and principal. I am going to miss him," he said.

Publication: Aurora Beacon News
Date: October 27, 2002
Author: Linda Girardi

More News