obama.qxd
Dear Ms. True:
In the article appearing recently in the Chicago Reader on the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization [“Fighting Over Scraps,” November 7], there were a number of quotes attributed to me that I feel need to be placed in the proper context.
First, while it is technically true that I would have won my election without IVI-IPO’s endorsement, that is only because by the time my election rolled around my opponents had all either withdrawn or were stricken from the ballot due to an insufficient number of signatures on their nomination petition. Nevertheless, in the period leading up to the election I actively sought IVI-IPO’s endorsement, and their support was an important part of establishing my credibility in the district.
Second, although I do believe the political environment has changed since the days of a monolithic Democratic machine, I firmly believe that we continue to need strong, independent grassroots organizations to monitor the political landscape. Despite internal disputes, IVI-IPO helps to provide that important function, and I hope that they will continue to do so in the future.
Barack Obama
State Senator
13th Legislative
District