The Marion County Democrats have opened a headquarters at 122 West Main in downtown Salem.
The recently elected chair of the party, Gina Reynolds, says the party is making a comeback in the county.
“More candidates win some seats, more involvement, and make sure that people know that we are out here, and we’re working for everyone in Marion County, not just the Marion county Democratic Party. We want everyone to have a better chance at life, more affordability, and we are worried about Medicaid cuts coming to hospitals. Last time I checked the hospital in Centralia, about 40% of their inpatient patients are on Medicaid, and if we have Medicaid cuts, that hospital will be really damaged.”
Reynolds says she has been involved in politics since she was five and helped her grandfather in a race for sheriff in Arkansas. When she retired and moved to Illinois, Reynolds says she decided to be all in on politics. Others elected to party offices include Linda Helm as treasurer, Kevin Thompson vice chair and Betsy Turner secretary.
Reynolds says the party has already caucused in three candidates for county board. They include Carey Hodge in District 3, Mike Reed in District 4, and Pat Dillow in District 5. Reynolds reports they are currently looking for a candidate to run in the two year unexpired seat in District One.
The headquarters has signage for candidates and an area for meetings.
