While Gov. Michael Dukakis presents his acceptance speech July 21 for the democratic presidential nomination, several DeKalb County residents will be cheering him on in his campaign.

Fifth Ward Alderman Bessie Chronopolous said a celebration will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. for Dukakis’ nomination and the nomination of Sen. Lloyd Bentsen for vice president. The celebration will be held during the Democratic Convention at the Inn of DeKalb, 1212 W. Lincoln Hwy.

The Democratic Convention will be televised along with a cash bar and food, Chronopolous said. An Illinois delegate will attempt to call from the convention in Atlanta to update Dukakis’ supporters on the proceedings of the evening, she said.

Dukakis has a good chance of winning the race for president against republican nominee Vice President George Bush, Chronopolous said.

Mayor Greg Sparrow said he had no doubts that Dukakis would take the democratic nomination. He said he likes Bentsen, but his first choices were John Glenn or Al Gore for Dukakis’ running mate.

Sparrow said he supports the Dukakis/Bentsen ticket and plans to attend part of the celebration.

Chronopolous said she is not familiar with Bentsen, but said he “fit the ticket adequately.”

“I don’t mind Dukakis’ liberalism, and Bentsen should balance off the ticket (because he is conservative).”

Kevin McKeough, NIU associate political science professor, said, “I wouldn’t have preferred Bentsen (but) it was a stategic choice.” He said Bentsen should play well throughout the South, especially in Texas, which is needed to win the election.

“I think Dukakis can carry the Midwest,” Sparrow said, “but he needs the South to win the election. If he (Dukakis) loses the South he will lose the election.”

Martin Dubin, NIU associate political science professor, said, “Dukakis made a shrewd judgement in choosing Bentsen, (which will) increase the likelihood of carrying Texas, Louisiana and maybe Oaklahoma.”

Dubin said Bentsen also has national legislative experience which can help link Dukakis to Congess.

Sparrow said the convention is an opportunity for Dukakis to show his administrative and leadership skills by pulling the Democratic Party together.

McKeough said, “The polls are unreliable, but encouraging for the Democrats.” He said other factors besides Dukakis’ choice of Bentsen for a running mate will play a role, including who Bush picks as a running mate.