At the Obama Legacy Dinner, held at Illinois State University on Friday, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton urged local Democrats to continue mobilizing the community for the upcoming election, highlighting the importance of electing Vice President Kamala Harris as president.
The event, organized by McLean County Democrats, honored the legacy of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Stratton, completing a three-day tour of southern and Central Illinois, emphasized the critical nature of the election, calling for efforts like door-knocking and phone banking to ensure victory.
She specifically mentioned the local Democrats’ role in supporting Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the race for president and vice president.
Reflecting on Obama’s legacy, Stratton spoke about her personal connection to healthcare issues, which motivated her to enter politics, praising the Affordable Care Act.
She reiterated the need to protect access to healthcare, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges to reproductive and other healthcare rights.
The dinner also showcased strong support for Harris, with an array of cutouts, signage, and memorabilia.
Speculation about potential cabinet roles for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker if Harris wins was downplayed by Stratton, who stressed the administration’s current focus on winning the election.
In her role as chair of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, Stratton addressed concerns about the governor’s decision to move Logan Correctional Center closer to Chicagoland.
While some residents feel abandoned, Stratton emphasized the administration’s commitment to listening to all communities across the state and working collaboratively on solutions.