News-Gazette Letter to the Editor, Thursday, January 12, 2006, page A-5

Democrats' planned purge not wise tactic

Jim Dey, describing the campaign to defeat Barbara Wysocki and Steve Beckett in District 9, states, “The fear Democrats have is that rather than leaving the party more ideologically pure, the explosive nature of this political challenge will imperil the party’s hard-won majority on the county board.” He’s right.

Actually the party’s majority also is threatened by exploitable weaknesses of several incumbents in other districts. Veteran Democrats also worry whether the party organization can provide funding and coordination in 2006 equal to its support for the successful campaigns of 2000 and 2002.

But Bob Kirchner and Lisa Bell have put “ideology” up front by declaring themselves “loyal” Democrats mounting a crusade to remove the disloyal “Beckett-crats” from office. As one old enough to remember some history, I am wary of ideologies that call names and argue for purges.

I have worked with both Barbara and Steve. They are smart, good humored, effective people, loyal to sound ideals. In my years, I have never seen the Party so well positioned to advance its programs and realize successes, due in part to Wysocki and Beckett – their work, their example, and their leadership.

It saddens me that tactics of charging “disloyalty” and attacking character should reappear in our ranks, especially used against two worthy people who have been instrumental to our recent electoral and legislative successes. Hard words and self-righteous denunciations work for some, but over the years these tactics have put us off our message and alienated many. Instead, let’s talk about issues vital to the whole community.

TOM O'ROURKE
Champaign