Sen. Mike Halpin will deliver the keynote address at the McDonough County Democratic Coalition's 40th Annual President's Day Dinner, Feb. 15, in Macomb.
The dinner will begin with a social at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by Feb. 11 by emailing McDonoughCountyDemocrats@gmail. com. Tickets are available by sending a check to MCDC, P.O. Box 695, Macomb. Payment may also be made at the door. Ticket prices are: $40/ person, or to donate to the Coalition, $60/ person (friend), $200 (sponsor, two tickets); $500 (benefactor, four tickets) and $1,000 (patron, eight tickets). Individuals can also sponsor a student for $20/student. For those unable to attend the dinner, but would like to join the organization, dues are $15 annually.
Halpin, who is seeking reelection to represent Illinois District 36, which covers portions of Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties, first took office in January 2027 when he was elected as state representative of Illinois' 72nd district. He is the chair of the Senate's Higher Education committee. Halpin first entered politics when Congressman Lane Evans hired him in 2002 as his district scheduler and personal aide. He also served as Evans' liaison with the National Personnel Records Center, helping local veterans receive the military honors they had earned during their service. Halpin later earned a law degree from the University of Illinois, and upon graduation, clerked for now-Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, Rita B. Garman in Danville, Illinois. Halpin is a partner at the Rock Island firm of McCarthy, Callas & Feeney, P.C. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Bridging the Gap: Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, and provides free consultations, and some pro bono representation, for veterans in need.
