With her banjo in hand, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon arrived at the Kensington Ballroom in Galesburg to keynote the 17th annual Knox County Democratic Women’s Camelot Dinner April 12.
Simon emphasized the power and importance women have in the election process. “Women are the majority of voters in this country and in the state,” she said, “We have a great deal of power.”
In August 2013, Simon announced she would not be available as a running mate for the next Democratic Governor nominee. She would instead seek the Democratic comptroller nomination and possibly run against Republican incumbent Judy Baar Topinka. She said it is her responsibility to get the message out. She wants to continue to be a public servant in some capacity, and added that women in general could help themselves get being better informed.
“I think we need to make sure that we get that information out, that we plan to talk with our friends, to knock on doors, to make phone calls, and to make sure that our friends turn out to vote because we can make the difference,” said Simon.
On had to introduce Simon was life-long friend and fellow Democrat, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. Bustos (17th District) said her father was chief of staff to the late Paul Simon when he was Lieutenant Governor, and she has been friends with Sheila Simon for many years. State Treasurer Nominee Mike Frerichs was also in attendance at the Camelot Dinner.
“It’s a get-together of people who are like-minded and want to reinforce their sense of drive as to why we all participate in the democratic process and our sense of democratic values,” said Simon about the event which in addition to her speed included a silent auction, awarding a Knox County Democrat Woman of the Year, a buffet dinner, and a little entertainment – Lieutenant Governor Simon playing the banjo.
