DOLTON - When the CEO of Freedomworks Matt Kibbe signed on to Republican Bruce Rauner's gubernatorial exploratory team in 2013, most expected Kibbe's name to be just another name on a list of supporters to pull in like-minded voters. Little was heard from Kibbe and his national FreedomWorks organization during the Republican primary, but an event planned in Dolton next month gives hint that may change over the next few months.
Deneen Borelli of FreedomWorks will be hosting an "Empower Gathering for Greater Chicago Area" Saturday evening, June 14, 2014 at the New Zion Covenant Church in Dolton, the heart of Chicago's southside black community. Borelli is author of a popular new political commentary book entitled Blacklash.
"Illinois, are you ready to be empowered with REAL change?" asks Borelli in an email invite Friday. "Unemployment is high, our schools are failing, and health care is increasingly inaccessible. It’s time for real change – not fake promises. If you’re ready to be empowered, you can join me and other black leaders on Saturday, June 14, 2014 as we discuss real solutions to the problems faced by our community."
Elections laws as they are, there's no indication on the invitation whether GOP candidate Bruce Rauner will appear at the rally, however, topics of empowerment FreedomWorks addresses connects with those Rauner supports - choice in education, balanced budgets, lower taxes and smaller government.
Bishop Lance Davis, pastor of New Zion Covenant Church, has led Chicago's black religious community efforts to restrict abortion and promote traditional marriage - two issues Rauner has avoided addressing to the satisfaction of Illinois' social conservatives.
"Illinois desperately needs a Governor who will support economic growth and personal freedom, and roll back the bloated and dysfunctional government in Springfield," FreedomWorks Matt Kibbe said last April. "Through his years of activism and his powerful writings, Bruce Rauner has demonstrated true dedication to major education and labor reforms that would make an enormous difference in the lives of Illinois children and taxpayers. I'm thrilled to be on his team."
Rauner is challenging Democrat incumbent Governor Pat Quinn in November.
