by Katie Hammer
DeKalb, Illinois- Inside the NIU convocation center, dozens of volunteers worked throughout the day to prepare for the arrival of U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney who'll be speaking at a political event Saturday.
"You've got to set up all these tables the flowers and decorations people have made signs to be displayed all over," says Event Co-Chair Connie Peshia.
Cheney is the most high profile guest speaker in 17 years to make an appearance at U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert's annual fundraiser.
"We're thrilled that he could come, absolutely thrilled. It's going to be a great event," says Peshia.
Organizer's hope Cheney's visit will sway voters in the November election.
Peshia says that "to have the vice president come show some confidence in the Republicans maybe we can pull this state out."
Twenty-three-hundred guests are expected to fill these seats.
There is no doubt security will be tight. Local law enforcement, state officials and the Secret Service will all be guarding the event. No information on security details were released as of Friday, but this will be Hastert's biggest fundraising audience.
"This is the biggest and best ever an we are sold out," says Peshia.
The vice president is expected to speak Saturday around 7:20 p.m. at the convocation center located on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.
http://www.wtvo.com/Global/story.asp?S=2315701&nav=0RePR2SDDick Cheney and Dennis Hastert will be in Dekalb Sept 18
Cheney to visit NIU
VP scheduled to speak at fundraiser for Dennis Hastert
Vice President Dick Cheney is coming to the Convocation Center Sept.18.
Cheney will be a guest speaker at House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s 18th annual fundraiser, said Kevin Selover, marketing manager for the arena. Hastert represents Illinois’ 14th District, which includes DeKalb and Sycamore. He is renting the facility to host the banquet-style event.
The event is not NIU sponsored, Selover said.
“This is the second year in a row that Hastert has held the event at the Convo,” said Melanie Magara, assistant vice president of Public Affairs.
The Convo was chosen because it is the only place in the surrounding area that is large enough to accommodate the event, said Brad Hahn, a spokesman for Hastert.
Cheney is scheduled to arrive in DeKalb about 4:30 p.m., Selover said. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is open to all for $150 per plate. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sept.13.
http://www.northernstar.info/articles/?id=136 Welcoming" Cheney to DeKalb Sat. 18 at 4:00 pm
Join Northern Coalition for Peace and Justice and a coalition of regional Peace and Justice groups in NIU Central Park (between Grant & Stevenson Towers on west campus) March peacefully to the Convocation Center where the VP will speak at a fundraiser for Congressman Dennis Hastert
Info: Lisa at <
[email protected] >
LET'S GIVE CHENEY THE WELCOME HE DESERVES!