When the senator decides to throw a dinner party, he does it right. Even the president attended.
Undaunted by the natural attraction of the Du Quoin State Fair, a special event to honor Illinois State Senator Gary Forby filled the main dining room at Rend Lake Resort Monday, with people from Chicago to the southern tip of the state and from all walks of life in attendance. It was clearly his night. The Benton Democrat from the 59th District drew praise from the keynote speaker, Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton.
“Gary works as hard as any senator in the state,” the Chicago-based senate leader told the enthusiastic gathering. Cullerton said Forby brings home more to his district than most because he knows who to see and what to do. “You should be proud of him.”
Forby rewarded the enthusiasm by making the announcement that he is running for re-election when his term is up.
The master of ceremonies was Franklin County Democratic Chairman Jim Eaton. A cross section of people attended, enjoyed a good meal and grand assessments from the politicos. One measure of success of such a gala affair is how long the attendees linger. An hour after it was over much of the crowd still mingled.
Local farmer and rancher George Tomlinson gave high marks to the party.
For more on this story, pick up a print copy of the Tuesday edition of the Daily American.
