Vested Interest - October 2004 Issue
October 2004 Issue > News
and Notes > Torts
The President’s Thoughts
Members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association assisted by our staff
in Springfield have worked extremely hard this election year. Thank you
very much for all you have done on behalf of the citizens of the State
of Illinois. Specifically, I thank you
- for supporting candidates who believe that our system of justice should
be revered, not reviled;
- for defending the judiciary and honoring the service that they perform
everyday in following the law;
- for rebutting the disingenuous talking heads who give lip service
to reducing frivolous lawsuits, yet actively work to eliminate legal responsibility
of the most serious wrongdoers;
- for informing your friends, families and co-employees about the importance
of registering to vote and preserving justice;
- for writing and emailing your clients about civil justice issues and
the importance of their participation in the elections.
While watching the Vice-Presidential debates, I was reminded that the
attacks of our adversaries are relentless and that our work is not finished.
We must do more between now and election day. The question is - - what
more can we do?
I have compiled tasks that attorneys from large and small firms can do
in the final days leading to the election.
- Provide Resources. If you are willing to provide help, do not wait
for our call, but call the ITLA office at 1-800-252-8501.
- Protect voters. Report voting irregularities. In the 2000 election,
4-6 million votes were rejected for one reason or another. This year make
sure that every legitimate ballot that is cast is counted. Lawyers across
the country are committed to upholding the Constitution.
- Communicate with all your clients and former clients, to make sure
they know how important this election is to them.
- Phone your clients. If they are housebound, help them obtain an absentee
ballot.
- Give your administrative staff adequate time off to vote. Lines will
be long this year. Make sure everyone knows it is worth the wait.
- Send a ‘voting reminder’ to everyone in your e-mail address
book on November 2nd.
- Ask your friends and family to vote for our candidates. Voters like
to be asked, not taken for granted. The late Speaker of the House, Tip
O’Neill, once lost a precinct by one vote. He canvassed house to
house until he found Mrs. Mullarkey, an elderly lady he had known his
whole life. She hadn’t voted for him. Confused and hurt, Tip asked
her why not. She replied: "You didn’t ask me." Every vote
counts. Ask for them all.
- Know that in-person absentee voting is available from now through
November 1st. This allows people who will be out of town on election day
to cast their ballot at their local Board of Elections.
- Vote.
Kevin Conway, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
|
