More than 100 supporters of Patrick Keenan-Devlin, candidate for the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 18th legislative district, attended the opening of his campaign office at 1630 Orrington Ave. on Sept. 8. 

Mr. Keenan-Devlin served as legislative director of Citizen Action/Illinois and as health policy advocate for the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law. A community activist, he is on the boards of such organizations as the United Way of Evanston, the Sheil Catholic Center of Evanston and the League of Women Voters of Evanston.

Campaign chair Gary Isaac, who worked on Guantanamo litigation and the Obama campaign, said, "This is the real strength of our campaign - our network of neighbors, the volunteers who know Patrick from his community work."

Alice Tregay of Evanston, who has worked for decades on voting rights and progressive political organizing, said of Mr. Keenan-Devlin, "He's a hard worker, he's dedicated, he knows Springfield, and he'll be a great State Representative."

Mr. Keenan-Devlin told supporters his campaign theme, "A New Way for Illinois," reflects his belief that "we simply cannot afford to continue down the path we've been on. ... I am calling for a new way on campaign financing in Illinois, on ensuring essential social services, on health-care reform, and on protecting our communities from predatory lending."

For further information, contact Michael Deheeger, campaign manager, at 847-494-0356 or by e-mail at mjdeheeg@gmail.com.