A grassroots movement against the war and corporate control is emerging in the Fox River Valley. Many have heard about the special election to replace former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and the democratic party victory of Bill Foster over anti-immigrant nut Jim Oberweis, leading many commentators to declare that there isn't a safe republican district in the US.

There is also the story of John Laesch, a progressive democrat who ran against Hastert in 06, gaining 40% of the vote. Laesch ran in the primary again this year, with promises to cut the war funding, protect workers rights and preserve the environment. Laesch narrowly lost to millionaire moderate Bill Foster.

Tonight,March 19, on the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, 50 people gathered in downtown Aurora to protest the war. The candle light vigil was organized through the local moveon.org chapter. Speakers reminded the crowd of the cost, both human and financial, of the war. One woman spoke about family members who died in Vietnam. John Laesch was present with his wife and campaign manager Jennifer, as was Aurora Mayoral Hopeful and current 3rd ward alderman Stephanie Kifowit. The vigil ended with a speaker telling the crowd that anti-war activists are the true patriots and asked the crowd to join her in the pledge of Allegiance, which they did.