The Monroe County Democratic Central Committee has unanimously decided to present C. Glennon Rau with the Leroy Reitz Democratic Service Award for 2009. The award is given by the county’s Democratic precinct committee people to someone who has provided exemplary hard work and dedication to the Monroe County Democratic Party for many years.

The award is named for Democrat Leroy Reitz. Reitz served Monroe County and the Monroe County Democratic Party in an exemplary manner for many years as county treasurer, circuit clerk, and other positions.

Glennon Rau of Columbia is a retired attorney who was elected Monroe County State’s Attorney in the 1960s. He later served as a Monroe County Democratic precinct committeeman for many years and still serves as a committeeman to this day. Rau also served as Monroe County Democratic Party chairman for several terms while maintaining his private law practice.

According to Monroe County Democratic Party Chairman Alan Pirtle, “Glennon was our county’s Democratic Party chairman and a practicing attorney when I first came to Monroe County. He was an accomplished attorney and a very hard-working and dedicated Democratic Party chairman and he still serves as one of our precinct committeemen. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Glennon Rau.”

Glennon Rau will be presented the award at the Monroe County Democratic Dinner scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Turner Hall in Columbia, Illinois. Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. and dinner program begins shortly before 7:00 p.m. Also in attendance at the dinner will be local and statewide Democrats including Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, State Representative Dan Reitz, and local Democratic officeholders and other Democrats. Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael Carrigan will also speak at the dinner.

Tickets are $25 each in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased individually or in groups. Tickets include homemade appetizers, a buffet dinner, prizes, refreshments, and a chance to participate in a large silent auction.

For tickets or questions, call 618-281-6045 or e-mail info@monroecountydems.org.