Glenn Poshard, a former Illinois State Senator and U.S. Congressman, endorsed Shirley Bell, who is the democratic candidate running for the 110th district state representative seat, Tuesday night during a meet the candidate event at the Burgess Osborne Auditorium in Mattoon.

Poshard called Bell a “good candidate,” and named five principles that he said were the family values the country, state, district and Democratic party representation.

Those values are a balanced budget, equal education opportunities for all, standing up for working men and women, protecting the most vulnerable and equal justice for everyone under the law.

Poshard said these values are not widely shared but that Bell would represent them if in Springfield.

Poshard said if everyone rooting for Bell was energized by these principles, then Bell’s campaign would win.

Emma Pikula, Bell’s campaign manager, said the event was the first major fundraising event for the campaign and said the turnout was fantastic.

Pikula, who is also a senior history major, said this campaign was an example of grass roots politics and that it was important because it is about interacting with people to bring about local change in local government.

She said Bell is a candidate whose main focuses are the issues that affect the 110th district.

Bell said her campaign is about shared concerns such as education and growth within the district, and the work that needs to be done in order to solve those concerns.

“Everything grows in Illinois, if you give it half a chance,” Bell said.

Jennifer White, the communications director who hosted the event with her husband Mac White and daughter Zoey White, said now is the time for everyone to get involved.

“We have to get out and vote,” she said. “It’s not an option.”

As for the campaign, Pikula said the momentum is growing and will continue to do so as the election approaches.

Analicia Haynes can be reached at 581-2812 or achaynes@eiu.edu.