Former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon will attempt to raise funds for Democratic candidates and raise political awareness at a DeKalb County Democratic Central Committee fundraiser dinner tonight.

Simon’s appearance provides an opportunity for students to listen to someone with considerable life experience, said Dan Kempton, NIU professor and chair of the political science department.

“He has experience as a senator and he is well known for his writings as a political analyst and even earlier in his career he was a journalist,” he said. “So here’s a guy with varied life experiences. It’s a good opportunity for students.”

The committee’s chairwoman Eileen Dubin said Simon will address the war in Iraq, among other topics.

“He’s going to be talking about the current crisis, and not only the one in Iraq, but about the economic situation we have in this country,” she said.

Kempton said Simon is an appealing politician because of his strong ethical background.

“Although I don’t always agree with his politics, he has a reputation for honesty and integrity,” he said. “In short, when recent Illinois politics has been rife with corruption, Simon is someone who wouldn’t accept political corruption as being politics as usual. You have to admire him for that.”

Dubin hopes students come out, and not just for the food.

“I would love to get students more involved in the political process,” she said. “This would be an opportunity to meet a former senator and a couple of the candidates who will be running for senate next time, and get a better feeling for the political process and how important it is, and that they can make a difference.”